Skip the NI Direct Bar
Skip navigation
  • Travelwise NI - Opens in a new window
  • Roads service - www.roadsni.gov.uk - Opens in a new window
  • Download Browsealoud - Opens in a new Window
  • Download Adobe Reader - Opens in a new window
  • Get Word Viewer - This link opens in a new window

Belfast City

Please note that the views expressed in the below consultation summary were recorded during the Reference Group meeting held September 2001 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BMTP team.

Introduction

The group was concerned about the effect growing congestion was having on the commercial life of the city centre, especially since out of town shopping centres which have free car parking are increasingly seen as attractive alternatives to the city centre. Dissatisfaction was also expressed over the community severance impacts of inner city roads which are making it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to reach places of employment such as Laganside.

A substantial increase in investment in public transport is required in order to reduce the need for car. Also it is important to undertake a careful review of parking policy. This would involve getting a more balanced mix of short to long stay. There is currently too much of the latter to the detriment of car borne shopper. Overall, the design of the transport system should have as a major objective to sustain and enhance the vitality and commercial life of the city centre.

Road Traffic Congestion

Pinch Points

  • Chichester St
  • Oxford St
  • May Street
  • Victoria St

Causes of Congestion

  • The car offers people their own personal space and has relative ease of using a car
  • Too much space taken up with bus layovers in the centre
  • Lack of stops on Dublin/Belfast train line means people driving into the city to take train
  • Demolished buildings being converted into parking and thus increasing the availability of parking
  • Roadworks

Congestion Impact

There are road traffic severance issues relating to the Laganside in general. Dunbar Link and Westlink are particular barriers while reasonably close areas such as the Markets and New Lodge are also affected by severance.

Off centre roads such as Woodstock Road used as informal park and ride

Other Road Issues

  • Too much parking is long stay thus encouraging car commuting.
  • City traders complain that long stay parking deters short stay shopping trips.
  • Parking charges unfairly discourages people from coming into the centre as out of town centres are not charged
  • City centre retail businesses are increasingly reliant on shopping done by city centre workers

Public Transport

  • By dispersing patterns of travel, out of town development diminishes opportunities for developing high-revenue bus routes
  • Bus lanes, if not used sufficiently, can be disliked as adding to congestion
  • Scheduling of Dublin/Belfast train service is not satisfactory
  • There have been improvements in the bus system, more is required. For instance limited services on Sunday. Such gaps impact on people who do not have a car, reinforcing social exclusion.

Cycling/Walking

  • Poor cycle/walking access to new developments like Odyssey from adjoining areas like the Markets and New Lodge
  • Lack of joined-up cycle and walking ways
  • Dereliction puts off people walking in the city. Need for active frontages
  • Safety issues in accessing Clarendon Dock, Dunbar Link, Corporation Street
  • Popularity of cycling can be affected by poor bicycle security
  • Bus congestion in Donegal Place and Royal Avenue are causing problems for pedestrians

Suggested Initiatives and Solutions

  • Overall, increase role of public transport which offers quality in terms of frequency and reliability
  • Charging schemes could be useful but it is essential that a carrot and stick approach is followed. Funding should be put into transport improvement
  • There should be more bus priority measures – like QBC’s
  • Need for more through bus routes in city centre
  • Put bus lay overs/parking out of city centre
  • Investigate application of modern traffic management system.
  • More Information at pedestrian crossings e.g. indicate time for pedestrians when lights will change
  • Investigate scheme that entails delivering shopping bags for customers to Park and Ride sites and thus encourage bus use
  • Development of Inner Ring road could help reduce traffic on other city streets
  • Car borne traffic is likely to be important – a balance has to be struck between public transport improvement and car access. However, promote short stay parking for visitors and shoppers coming in to the city centre and discourage long stay parkers
  • Reduce traffic in the city centre by completing the Chichester Street, May Street, Oxford Street Inner Ring Road.
  • Manage the reinstatement of roadways and footpaths in a better way (coordination of utilities)
  • Emphasis on walking/cycling to be given in any new road development.
  • Promote Green Transport Plans among city centre businesses.
  • Promote more live/work mixed use development in centre

Information