A new initiative has been launched across Belfast aimed at encouraging people to walk and use more public transport.

A series of maps and leaflets have been produced which will give information on walking distances to certain points of interest from main bus and train stations and the City Hall.

The initiative, which has been launched by Transport Minister Conor Murphy and supported by Translink is being aimed at getting people to swap their cars for a healthier journey to work via foot.

The Minister said: “This initiative encourages people to consider walking and using public transport as an alternative to the car. The Walking Maps assist by identifying how long it will take on foot to reach many locations in Belfast, from key transport hubs.

"With growing levels of traffic congestion, increasing fuel costs and rising levels of obesity walking more and traveling by public transport can make sound health, environmental and financial sense.”

The maps will be located at the main bus centres and rail stations in Belfast and Translink’s Marketing Executive Ciaran Rogan gave his full support to the initiative: “We all know that walking and the use of public transport can improve health. More and more people are taking this message on board and traveling on buses and trains. We hope these maps sited at Translink’s Belfast bus and rail station will help promote environmentally friendly travel solutions to the local community and prove beneficial to the growing number of tourists visiting the City.”

(SB/SP)