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04/01/2018
SF Launch Amendments To BRT Proposals
Sinn Féin are to present two amendments to the proposals recently released by the Department for Infrastructure on the operation of the Belfast Rapid Transit Route (BRT).
West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey, said: "Sinn Féin supports the Belfast Rapid Transit initiative as it is a significant investment locally and it is vitally important that it works for al. For that reason we are proposing two amendments to the proposals recently released by the Department for Infrastructure.
"We are firmly of the opinion that 7am to 10am and 3pm to 6.30pm from Monday to Friday is more than sufficient to cover peak times for traffic and an increased number of bus users.
"If these lanes are allowed to operate for twelve hours a day we are concerned that it will negatively affect traffic and cause longer queues in the outside lane as well as impacting negatively on local businesses based on the front of the road.
"We are calling for all taxis to be allowed into all BRT routes and all bus lanes in Belfast on a permanent basis.
"The recent twelve-week trial allowing taxis to use the BRT lanes in East and West Belfast and in the city centre was a success and helped to ease traffic on these routes. This should now be implemented across Belfast in all lanes permanently.
"All taxis are permitted to use bus lanes in many cities across Ireland, including Dublin, Limerick, Cork and also across Britain in Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham to name just a few. This should also be extended to Belfast and will help to ensure that taxi drivers' jobs are protected.
"Sinn Féin will be putting forward these proposed amendments to the Permanent Secretary, Peter May and urging him to do what is right here for ordinary working-class taxi drivers and for the improvement of traffic in Belfast."
(MH/LM)
West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey, said: "Sinn Féin supports the Belfast Rapid Transit initiative as it is a significant investment locally and it is vitally important that it works for al. For that reason we are proposing two amendments to the proposals recently released by the Department for Infrastructure.
"We are firmly of the opinion that 7am to 10am and 3pm to 6.30pm from Monday to Friday is more than sufficient to cover peak times for traffic and an increased number of bus users.
"If these lanes are allowed to operate for twelve hours a day we are concerned that it will negatively affect traffic and cause longer queues in the outside lane as well as impacting negatively on local businesses based on the front of the road.
"We are calling for all taxis to be allowed into all BRT routes and all bus lanes in Belfast on a permanent basis.
"The recent twelve-week trial allowing taxis to use the BRT lanes in East and West Belfast and in the city centre was a success and helped to ease traffic on these routes. This should now be implemented across Belfast in all lanes permanently.
"All taxis are permitted to use bus lanes in many cities across Ireland, including Dublin, Limerick, Cork and also across Britain in Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham to name just a few. This should also be extended to Belfast and will help to ensure that taxi drivers' jobs are protected.
"Sinn Féin will be putting forward these proposed amendments to the Permanent Secretary, Peter May and urging him to do what is right here for ordinary working-class taxi drivers and for the improvement of traffic in Belfast."
(MH/LM)
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05 May 2017
Decision On Private Taxis Using Bus Lanes To Be Made By Next Minister
A decision on whether private taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes is to be made by the next roads minister, according to the Department of Infrastructure.
Decision On Private Taxis Using Bus Lanes To Be Made By Next Minister
A decision on whether private taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes is to be made by the next roads minister, according to the Department of Infrastructure.
29 August 2018
Dept Of Infrastructure Reverses Decision On Taxis In Belfast Bus Lanes
The Department of Infrastructure has been accused of an "act of bad faith" in its u-turn on allowing taxis in Belfast bus lanes. In March, the Department confirmed a 12-month experimental scheme to permit Class A taxis to access all bus lanes in Belfast. The scheme was due to begin prior to the commencement of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT).
Dept Of Infrastructure Reverses Decision On Taxis In Belfast Bus Lanes
The Department of Infrastructure has been accused of an "act of bad faith" in its u-turn on allowing taxis in Belfast bus lanes. In March, the Department confirmed a 12-month experimental scheme to permit Class A taxis to access all bus lanes in Belfast. The scheme was due to begin prior to the commencement of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT).
09 March 2018
Private Hire Taxis To Be Allowed To Drive In Belfast Bus Lanes
Private hire taxis in Belfast have been permitted to drive in bus lanes for at least a year. The taxis are allowed to use the lanes as part of a new pilot scheme from the Department of Infrastructure.
Private Hire Taxis To Be Allowed To Drive In Belfast Bus Lanes
Private hire taxis in Belfast have been permitted to drive in bus lanes for at least a year. The taxis are allowed to use the lanes as part of a new pilot scheme from the Department of Infrastructure.
16 February 2017
Taxis To Be Permitted To Use Bus Lanes
Taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes on the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) routes from next Monday, 20 February. The 12-week trial basis will apply to the bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes and the 12 hour bus lanes in the city centre, which link the two routes.
Taxis To Be Permitted To Use Bus Lanes
Taxis will be permitted to use bus lanes on the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) routes from next Monday, 20 February. The 12-week trial basis will apply to the bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes and the 12 hour bus lanes in the city centre, which link the two routes.
11 May 2017
Council Supports Motion To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes
Belfast City Council has supported a motion to allow taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. A trial ended on Sunday, 07 May, which permitted taxis to use the Belfast Rapid Transit bus lanes. The council will send an official letter of support to the Department of Infrastructure.
Council Supports Motion To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes
Belfast City Council has supported a motion to allow taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. A trial ended on Sunday, 07 May, which permitted taxis to use the Belfast Rapid Transit bus lanes. The council will send an official letter of support to the Department of Infrastructure.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
