A new pilot scheme which will permit taxis to temporarily use certain bus lanes in Belfast city centre has been announced by the Department for Infrastructure.
The change aims to manage the continuing gridlock during road works associated with Grand Central Station, with a full road closure of Durham Street from Grosvenor Road to Hope Street in place for a period of up to 12 months.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said the measure aims to ”alleviate some of the disruption” and “support the taxi industry”.
He said: “The closure of Durham Street is necessary for the development of Belfast Grand Central Station and associated public realm works. My Department has worked closely with Translink to manage traffic flow during the ongoing construction, however some level of disruption is unavoidable while these important works are carried out.
“In order to alleviate some of the disruption, and to support the taxi industry, I have asked my officials to urgently bring forward proposals which will permit Class A and Class C taxis to use certain bus lanes in the vicinity of the works.
“The taxi industry provides an important service within our community ensuring people, including the most vulnerable in society, have door to door access to work, education, socialising and medical appointments. Tourists to the city, including those arriving at the new station, are also regular users of taxis.
“My Department will be taking forward the necessary legislative arrangements as quickly as possible and I will announce further details on the commencement of the pilot in the near future.”
Martina Connolly, CEO of business improvement district Belfast ONE, welcomed the decision, but believes there are “a range of additional measures” that could be taken to reduce congestion.
“This is a welcome temporary step to alleviate the traffic gridlock which is gripping Belfast at present,” she said. “However there are a range of additional measures which could be taken, and I have written to the Infrastructure Minister to seek a meeting to discuss a range of proposals to reduce congestion.
“Today’s announcement is limited to the area around Grand Central Station and I am also concerned that this ignores the wider traffic problem experienced across other parts of Belfast including East during the closures of Sydenham Bypass, and elsewhere. Bus lanes in those areas should also be opened up on a temporary basis for taxis to use to help traffic flow smoothly.”
Further details on commencement of the pilot will be confirmed in due course.
