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)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 December 2012
Ministers Call For An End To The Flag Protests
The First and deputy First Minister have called for an end to the loyalist protests against the decision to reduce the number of days the Union flag is to fly at Belfast City Hall. In their statement, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said: "We recognise and support the right to peaceful protest but the way forward is through dialogue.
24 October 2013
Loyalists Plan 10,000-Strong Protest
Loyalists organising a flag protest at Belfast City Hall for next month have lodged a fresh application with the Parades Commission. The protest would see 40 bands, 5,000 supporters and 5,000 supporters take to the streets in the city centre.
13 November 2003
Belfast City Hall set for traditional arrival
One of the most famous Christmas trees in Northern Ireland is set to take up its traditional seasonal position this weekend. Each year, a tree measuring between 40 and 50 feet tall stands at the front of the City Hall in Belfast, heralding the arrival of the Yuletide in the City.
20 August 2021
Lidl Northern Ireland Set To Open New £5m Store In Newry
Lidl Northern Ireland is set to open a new £5 million store in Newry, with online "fitness guru" and Newry native Maeve Madden to officially unveil the new look store when it opens on Thursday 26 August.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.