The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre.

A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.

A DfI spokesperson acknowledged that ongoing infrastructure projects in the city centre are causing significant disruption for motorists. However, they emphasised the long-term benefits of these investments.

The spokesperson urged motorists to consider alternative transportation options, such as public transport, cycling, or walking, to help alleviate congestion and improve air quality.

Having taken all factors into consideration, the following mitigation measures will or have already been taken:

• Review and optimisation of traffic signals at key junctions including Durham Street / Grosvenor Road and Fisherwick Place / Great Victoria Street;

• Amendment to arrangements at Glengall Street / Great Victoria Street junction;

• Use of additional roadside signage, including variable message signs, to provide the public with guidance on avoiding congested roads in the city centre and promoting alternative modes of travel including park & ride;

• Improvements to public transport services on key strategic routes and from Ballymartin, Cairnshill and Sprucefield park & ride sites;

• Increased use of Trafficwatch X account to improve timely communication to public in particular the 80,000 TrafficWatch X followers; and

• Increased targeted visibility and engagement by PSNI in relation to traffic infringements in particular Yellow Box infringements at key junctions which have been identified as exacerbating traffic congestion.

In addition, planned work on the Sydenham bypass has been cancelled this weekend, meaning it will remain open.

The spokesperson added: "More generally, we are appealing to motorists to consider other options they can take to avoid congestion such as public transport, park and ride, active travel or, if possible, planning their journey to use an alternative route or to avoid peak times.

"To reinforce this messaging, a bespoke public advertising campaign (on radio and outdoor platforms) has been commissioned to promote Park & Ride to Belfast City Centre in the run-up to Christmas. This will go live on w/c December 2.

"For those who are travelling to or through the city centre by car, the advice is to allow extra time for your journey, be patient and respect other road users; and to follow the advice and direction on road signs and markings, particularly yellow boxes."

Over the coming weeks and months, the strategic oversight group will oversee the implementation of the mitigation measures and communication initiatives.  The group will continue to monitor traffic patterns within the city centre and consider the requirement for further mitigations as required.