Other News In Brief

PSNI Renews Warning Over Stones Thrown At Traffic

Police have warned that anyone caught throwing objects at traffic will be arrested and dealt with through the courts.

The renewed warning comes after reports of 'missiles' being launched at fast-moving traffic in the Fortwilliam and Greencastle areas.

Police appealed for information following criminal damage caused to vehicles on the M2 earlier this week.

"You need to wise up and stop this before someone is killed or seriously injured," a spokesperson added on Thursday.

"Your actions are the height of stupidity and recklessness. Think for a second, if you will, what would happen if the stone that you throw lands on a car windscreen travelling at 70 mph along the motorway - the consequences could be fatal."

Patrols have been added to the areas in the hope of seeking out those "foolish enough to involve themselves in this type of highly dangerous behaviour".

The spokesperson added: "When we catch and arrest you - you can expect to brought to custody and dealt with by the courts..

"You have been warned."

Call For Better Cycling Infrastructure In Belfast

Residents of Belfast have made their voices heard with pleas for better cycling infrastructure across the city.

A 2019 Belfast bike life report released today, 05 March, showcased keen support for more safe cycle lanes to be developed.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie has called on the Department for Infrastructure to take action.

"Every day, people cycling in Belfast takes up to 7,500 cars off the road, which helps tackle congestion and air pollution across the city," Cllr Beattie commented.

"It's clear there is a need and an appetite for good quality cycling infrastructure throughout the city, as 77% of people think that more protected cycle lanes, separate from traffic, would help them cycle more.

"Additionally, there's a lot of people in Belfast who don't have access to a car and would benefit greatly from investment in new safe cycle lanes throughout the city.

"This would help combat the risk of social exclusion, debt and transport poverty, while also improving peoples physical and mental health."

Belfast City Council has also successfully lobbied the Department for Infrastructure to conduct a feasibility study of cycle routes that would run in parallel with the M1 motorway. This would provide a safe route to the city for cyclists from Lisburn, numerous park and rides and the residents of South and West Belfast.

"This report makes it loud and clear of the public desire to build better cycling lanes throughout Belfast, as well as the wider benefits it will bring to the city as a whole," he added.

"The Department of Infrastructure should now act and deliver on the feasibility plans that they have prepared."

Roadworks To Cause Disruption On Key Co Down Route

A key route connecting Lisburn and Ballynahinch is set to close for improvements.

Approximately £350,000 is being invested to deliver resurfacing work on Magheraknock Road between Back Road and Laurel Road. Isolated sections of footways will also be reconstructed as well as other kerbing works.

Work will begin on Monday 09 March and run until Friday 08 May.

A road closure will be in operation from 02 March until 10 April 2020 between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. A further weekday road closure will be in place from 20 April until 08 May 2020 between the hours of 9.30am and 6pm.

Access will be maintained for local residents during road closure periods.

To help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to follow signed diversionary routes, comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to exercise care when travelling through, or in the vicinity of, the works.



(JG/CM)