M-Way Traffic Flow Boosted

Just hours before a £10m traffic control system to improve traffic flow on the M1/Westlink in Belfast was officially switched on, a new cycling infrastructure was launched in Belfast as part of Travelwise Week.

Backing both 'green' and not so green transportation at the same time, the two schemes are supported by the Department for Regional Development (DRD).

The M-way initiative is the first time that variable mandatory speed limits have been applied to a road in Northern Ireland.

A DRD spokesman said that sensors will calculate the optimum speed for traffic across the carriageways and set a speed that is displayed on electronic signs.

The traffic control system was officially launched by the Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy (pictured) on Thursday.

On Wednesday, it was announced that the Eastern Division of DRD Roads Service has installed 100 new cycle hoops this year across the city centre and along main roads in the south and east of the city.

People are being urged to 'Travel Smarter, Live Better' during Travelwise Week, being run in conjunction with European Mobility Week, an initiative which will see hundreds of towns and cities across Europe promoting sustainable transport options.

The cycle hoop is an innovative product which uses existing street furniture with minimal impact on other road users.

These complement other measures such as cycle lanes, advanced stop lines and toucan crossings, which have already been provided within recent years.

Aileen Gault of Travelwise NI said this was part of a number of initiatives planned during the week encouraging the public to consider the many health benefits on offer by choosing a more active way to travel instead of taking the car.

"Greater car usage means less exercise and poorer health amongst people here.

"Active travel has a vital role to play in helping tackle obesity and improving general health and wellbeing, and we work towards encouraging more employers, commuters and schoolchildren to opt for sustainable travel, year round, through a variety of initiatives.

"We hope that Travelwise Week will encourage people to consider smarter, healthier travel choices and develop a long term sustainable travel habit," said Ms Gault.

Also, as part of Travelwise Week, Sustrans will have a cycling event to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network on Saturday 18 September.

Next Monday 20 September, has also been designated as ‘Car Share’ day calling on commuters who cannot replace their car journey to consider how they can help reduce congestion and vehicle emissions by sharing transport.

"We would urge people to consider the options that work best for them - whether it is walking, cycling, car sharing or public transport, or a mixture of these.

"And for those who cannot commit to using sustainable travel every day for the commute to work or the school run, perhaps they would consider making one day a week a car-free day.

"A small change can make a big difference. By making one journey by bus, bike or walking, you could reduce your carbon emissions by up to 20%, help the environment and improve your own health," said Ms Gault.

(BMcC/KMcA)