Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
Give the location plus an estimate of the pothole's size and depth and explain exactly where it sits on the road or footway.
You can report a pothole or other road-surface defect online to DfI Roads through nidirect.
Park and Ride is for continuing by public transport, while Park and Share sites are intended as meeting points for people sharing a car journey.
Yes. Northern Ireland has dedicated Park and Ride sites where you can leave the car and continue part of the journey by public transport.
No. nidirect warns that you will never be contacted asking for bank account details when applying for or renewing a SmartPass.
Application forms can be requested through Translink, including at manned bus or rail stations, by phone or by email for relevant SmartPass types.
Yes. SmartPass holders must show the card when buying a rail ticket to claim the concession.
Yes. SmartPass holders can use their card on Glider services, with the applicable concession for their SmartPass type.
A Half Fare SmartPass gives 50 per cent off the standard adult single fare on scheduled rail services within Northern Ireland.
Potentially yes. There is a Half Fare SmartPass category for people whose driving licence has been refused or revoked on medical grounds.
No. Receiving the care component of PIP by itself does not automatically make you eligible for a SmartPass.
The 60+ SmartPass expires at the end of the calendar month in which you turn 65.
Yes. Eligible Northern Ireland residents aged 65 or over can use the Senior SmartPass for the all-Ireland free travel scheme.
No. The 60+ SmartPass does not provide the all-Ireland free travel entitlement.
Northern Ireland residents can qualify for a Senior SmartPass from age 65, subject to the residence rules.
Northern Ireland residents aged 60 to 64 can qualify for a 60+ SmartPass.
No general Blue Badge exemption applies to loading bays reserved for loading activity.
Not automatically. Blue Badge guidance says you cannot use parking places reserved for specific users unless you also meet that restriction.
Not during the times when the accompanying signs prohibit stopping, even to set down or pick up passengers.
The Highway Code says that when stopping at the roadside you should not park facing against the traffic flow.
No. Blue Badge holders are still required to park within the marked bay where the bay-marking rule applies.
Yes. In controlled parking areas and off-street car parks, vehicles are generally required to be wholly within the marked bay.
Loading and unloading can be permitted on yellow lines unless a separate loading restriction is in force.
No. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time and do not need a separate time plate.
Blue Badge guidance says you must not park within 15 metres of a junction.
Not automatically. Private car park owners decide their own Blue Badge concessions and charges.
No. A Blue Badge does not automatically give free parking in council-owned off-street charged car parks.
Generally yes. Blue Badge holders can park free in on-street pay and display areas unless a local traffic order sets a time limit.
Yes, generally for up to three hours if it is safe, the badge is displayed correctly and no loading restriction applies.
Yes, if you have or develop a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely.
