18/12/2024
Taxis Now Allowed To Use City Centre Bus Lanes
Taxis in Belfast can now use a number of the city's bus lanes over the festive period, in an effort to address significant congestion in the city centre.
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd announced a Temporary Traffic Regulation to allow Class A and Class C taxis to use certain lanes, effective from 6am this morning, Wednesday 18 December 2024.
Minister O'Dowd said: "I am committed to bringing forward measures which will help alleviate the traffic congestion in the city centre.
"I had previously announced my intention to introduce a pilot scheme to permit taxis to use city centre bus lanes to help support the industry and ease traffic. My officials are continuing to carry out the necessary legislative work and the consultation period for that scheme will commence very early in the new year.
"In the meantime, I have asked my officials to urgently introduce temporary traffic regulations, as an interim measure, to allow Class A and C taxis to use a number of bus lanes.
"Belfast is a thriving city and I would encourage anyone planning to travel to the city centre, especially over the Christmas period, to plan their journey, use public transport if possible and if travelling by car factor in extra time for your journey.
"DfI will continue to work closely with partners in the coming days and weeks. We all share a common goal of wanting to keep Belfast moving, while balancing the needs of everyone who needs to use the city's roads and footpaths."
The bus lanes included within the new regulations are:
Inbound towards the City Centre
• Shaftesbury Square
• Great Victoria Street (Shaftesbury Square – Grosvenor Road)
Outbound Away from City Centre:
• Great Victoria Street (Howard Street – Bruce Street)
• Bruce Street
• Dublin Road
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd announced a Temporary Traffic Regulation to allow Class A and Class C taxis to use certain lanes, effective from 6am this morning, Wednesday 18 December 2024.
Minister O'Dowd said: "I am committed to bringing forward measures which will help alleviate the traffic congestion in the city centre.
"I had previously announced my intention to introduce a pilot scheme to permit taxis to use city centre bus lanes to help support the industry and ease traffic. My officials are continuing to carry out the necessary legislative work and the consultation period for that scheme will commence very early in the new year.
"In the meantime, I have asked my officials to urgently introduce temporary traffic regulations, as an interim measure, to allow Class A and C taxis to use a number of bus lanes.
"Belfast is a thriving city and I would encourage anyone planning to travel to the city centre, especially over the Christmas period, to plan their journey, use public transport if possible and if travelling by car factor in extra time for your journey.
"DfI will continue to work closely with partners in the coming days and weeks. We all share a common goal of wanting to keep Belfast moving, while balancing the needs of everyone who needs to use the city's roads and footpaths."
The bus lanes included within the new regulations are:
Inbound towards the City Centre
• Shaftesbury Square
• Great Victoria Street (Shaftesbury Square – Grosvenor Road)
Outbound Away from City Centre:
• Great Victoria Street (Howard Street – Bruce Street)
• Bruce Street
• Dublin Road
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Traffic And Travel Advice For Belfast St Patrick's Day Celebrations
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Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
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St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
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St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
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Public Advised Of Potential Disruption In Belfast City Centre
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Public Advised Of Potential Disruption In Belfast City Centre
The public is advised of potential disruption in Belfast city centre tomorrow, Saturday, 05 April, due to two parades/marches taking place. The first event will commence at 11am from Writer's Square and proceed along Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, and Donegall Square North, concluding at Belfast City Hall.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.