07/11/2016
Embargo For Christmas Roadworks Announced
An embargo on roadworks is to be put in place ahead of the Christmas shopping period, it has been announced.
The embargo will affect all non-essential work on key routes into the city, and will be in place from 28 November to 03 January, 2017.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "As towns and cities across the north prepare for the busy Christmas period, I am keen to do what I can to support local businesses and provide shoppers with a range of public transport options that meet their needs, while keeping the traffic moving.
"The roadworks embargo has been ongoing for number of years and I am grateful to all the utilities involved for their continued support with this highly successful initiative."
Minister Hazzard also confirmed a transport incentives package between the Department for Infrastructure, Translink and Belfast City Council to encourage people to do their Christmas shopping in Belfast City Centre.
He said: "It is vital that traffic flow around the City is maintained during rush hour and the Christmas shopping period. Our public transport network plays a key part in ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.
"The recent changes in the exchange rate means we also have more people coming North to shop and we need to be mindful of the impact that can have on our roads network.
"Jointly, my department, Translink and Belfast City Council, have developed a range of transport incentives to manage traffic flow, including extending park and ride opening hours, reduced fares and the works embargo.
"I also would like to welcome the Council's decision to maintain car parking charges at the current level and I believe combined, all of these measures will help ensure smoother traffic flow around the city and a better experience for traders and shoppers alike."
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, added: "We've put together an attractive festive package of hassle-free bus, coach and train services, great value tickets and fun entertainment to make Translink your first choice for travel this Christmas.
"From free returns on Ulsterbus and Goldline services to all-day Metro travel for just £2.50, extended Park & Ride opening hours or a third-off day return train tickets, we want to encourage more people to enjoy the convenience of public transport whether it's for shopping, socialising or just soaking up the special atmosphere at this busy time of year."
Image: Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard. Courtesy of Department for Infrastructure, Flickr.
(JP/LM)
The embargo will affect all non-essential work on key routes into the city, and will be in place from 28 November to 03 January, 2017.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "As towns and cities across the north prepare for the busy Christmas period, I am keen to do what I can to support local businesses and provide shoppers with a range of public transport options that meet their needs, while keeping the traffic moving.
"The roadworks embargo has been ongoing for number of years and I am grateful to all the utilities involved for their continued support with this highly successful initiative."
Minister Hazzard also confirmed a transport incentives package between the Department for Infrastructure, Translink and Belfast City Council to encourage people to do their Christmas shopping in Belfast City Centre.
He said: "It is vital that traffic flow around the City is maintained during rush hour and the Christmas shopping period. Our public transport network plays a key part in ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.
"The recent changes in the exchange rate means we also have more people coming North to shop and we need to be mindful of the impact that can have on our roads network.
"Jointly, my department, Translink and Belfast City Council, have developed a range of transport incentives to manage traffic flow, including extending park and ride opening hours, reduced fares and the works embargo.
"I also would like to welcome the Council's decision to maintain car parking charges at the current level and I believe combined, all of these measures will help ensure smoother traffic flow around the city and a better experience for traders and shoppers alike."
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, added: "We've put together an attractive festive package of hassle-free bus, coach and train services, great value tickets and fun entertainment to make Translink your first choice for travel this Christmas.
"From free returns on Ulsterbus and Goldline services to all-day Metro travel for just £2.50, extended Park & Ride opening hours or a third-off day return train tickets, we want to encourage more people to enjoy the convenience of public transport whether it's for shopping, socialising or just soaking up the special atmosphere at this busy time of year."
Image: Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard. Courtesy of Department for Infrastructure, Flickr.
(JP/LM)
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