Castlereagh

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 agreed that congestion is a clear problem but particular frustration was expressed with the current provision of public transport in the area. While radial bus services to Belfast were reasonably acceptable during the day, orbital journeys across the area were almost impossible while general evening services were poor. The area has a number of institutions such as Castlereagh College where staff (and students) not living on the radial routes have no choice but to use the car. Existing development policies are seen to contribute to congestion problems on main roads which in turn is leading to a growth in rat running. Public transport needs an improved image and services if it is to offer credible alternative.

Among the solutions considered, the group thought that better use of existing road space could be made to create more capacity for vehicles. In addition, some pressure would be relieved through the development of park and ride on the southern approaches to the area. The potential for planning gain should be explored in developing these and other initiatives. It was also considered imperative that the public transport system be improved through the development of the EWAY, the implementation of orbital routes and other initiatives to improve the image of buses (including better training for drivers).

Road Traffic Congestion

Pinch Points

Church Road
Ballyregan Road
Montgomery Road
Cregagh Road
Sandyknowes RA
Outer Ring Road
Upper Newtownards Road
Comber Road
Stoney Road / Upper Newtownards Road Junction

Causes of Road Traffic Congestion

Lack of a comprehensive public transport system means that many people have no choice but to use their cars. For instance a high proportion of students (estimated to be 50%) in Castlereagh College have to travel by car.

Development to the south of the area is adding to traffic congestion in and around Castlereagh. Many of Castlereagh Borough’s daily average annual traffic flow figures are amongst the highest in Northern Ireland. These figures will only increase with the further development of residential accommodation within the borough and neighbouring Councils.

Inappropriate parking is limiting road space and creating bottlenecks.

Local traffic management is poor, eg allowing right turning into Cherryvalley in the mornings leads to serious delays.

Congestion Impact

Limited car parking within grounds of business and institutions leads to the on-street parking, further compounding problems with road space.

Driving standards and manners have worsened as drivers, out of sheer desperation, start to take half chances that they would have thought unsafe before.

Other Road Issues

Concern was expressed over speed of traffic on roads such as Shaws Bridge and Sandown Road. Regulations and policy concerning the imposition of speed controls need to be made clear to communities.

Many existing traffic calming measures increase the level of pollution as free flowing traffic prevents a build up of pollutants

Public Transport

It frequently takes 2 bus journeys to reach an orbital destination. One to go to Belfast the other to come out again.

Because of the extremely limited evening service, potential students without access to a car can be denied opportunity to study

There are development land constraints emerging in the area. Consequently people that are dependent on public transport will experience problems if companies relocate to outside of area

Cycling/Walking

Cycling routes have been implemented in the area but there is a need for greater promotion of their use.

Walking links in Dundonald have been over extended due to its over-expansion. We now have an inner ring and an outer ring of settlement here, much of which lies beyond walking distance from local facilities, and to the old village core.