To ask the Minister for Regional Development what action his departmental officials have taken to assess the feasibility of a two-tier parking fine system.

The Assembly recently approved an increase to the amount of a parking Penalty Charge Notice from £60 to £90 for all contraventions.

I am aware that other parts of the United Kingdom do apply differential penalties for different contraventions, however, I felt it was necessary to increase the level of deterrent for all contraventions.

My Department is currently monitoring the impact of this fee increase on illegal parking, as well as the nature of the contraventions. It is anticipated that this monitoring exercise will run for approximately twelve months to enable a comprehensive assessment to be completed. My Department will then carry out a statistical analysis of the results found in Northern Ireland compared with those in England and Wales, where differential penalties are in place, and in Scotland, where differential penalties are not in use.