Direct rule minister announces roads scheme

In the first major announcement since the collapse of the power-sharing executive seven days ago, the Northern Ireland Office has revealed a number of initiatives aimed at reducing traffic disruption.

The announcement, by the Under Secretary of State responsible for the Department for Regional Development, Angela Smith, will see up-to-date traffic information posted up for motorists on web pages so that they can better plan journeys into work.

It is hoped that the new traffic website, a pilot project which will provide people who work in Belfast city centre with early information about major traffic disruption, and new cantilever signals on motorways will improve safety and reduce travel times.

Mrs Smith said: “Today’s initiatives underline the fact that Roads Service is at the forefront in both the UK and across Europe in the application of intelligent transport systems for traffic control and the provision of traffic information.

“These new developments will further enhance the existing service of providing traffic information to the public, and will also assist in improving road safety."

The pilot project, set up by Roads Service with assistance from Belfast City Centre Management, involves employers in Belfast receiving e-mailed information from the Traffic Information and Control Centre on major abnormal disruption to traffic flows.

A small number of companies have been invited to take part in the initial trial of the project, and it is hoped to expand to a larger number of employers in the near future.

The website set up by Roads Service, www.trafficwatchni.com , will also access real-time pictures from four Roads Service traffic monitoring cameras in Belfast.

The Minister also revealed that the £1.5 million work to extend motorway control on the M1 and M2 has been completed.

New motorway gantries and cantilever signals have been erected on the M2 northbound prior to the Sandyknowes and Templepatrick interchanges, and also on the M1 westbound prior to Sprucefield and M1 eastbound at Dunmurry.

Mrs Smith added: "These facilities will provide lane control signals and advisory speeds, and will also assist in improving road safety by displaying information on traffic conditions ahead.”

(GMcG)