West Belfast

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

During the West Belfast consultation exercise several issues were raised, however, traffic congestion was cited as a key concern of this group particularly along the major roads in the area and which spill over onto more minor roads. The location of schools, a hospital, cemeteries along the main roads, especially, the Falls Road, adds to congestion as does the perception that road works or traffic light sequencing is not being co-ordinated. The total traffic impacts of small scale developments are not being acknowledged with the effect that congestion in the area is increasing.

The Black Taxi service plays a major role in providing public transport in the area.. The group were keen to see an improvement in bus services, linking up with other transport interchanges and consideration given to new transport systems such as LRT and trams.

Road Traffic Congestion

Pinch Points

Falls Road
Glen Road
Whiterock Road (on-street parking)
Andersonstown Road
Springfield Road
Circular Road
Shankill Road
Ballygomartin Road Junction
Woodvale Road Junction

Causes of Congestion

School traffic adds to congestion with major secondary schools situated in close proximity to the Shankill and Falls Roads. Setting down and picking up also blocks roads.

Pedestrian crossings on roads are not synchronised. Also, continuous stream of school kids going across pelican crossings at school entry/exit times

Combination of narrow roads in the area and the need to make right turns adds to congestion e.g. Springfield Road

Under-provided public transport adding to dependence on car

Sharp rise in the number of new residential developments in the West Belfast areas. They appear to be inconsistent with the current road network and supply

Urban clearways not being enforced.

Subsequent to the above, the following key problems are experienced in West Belfast:

Rat runs through council estates;
Pollution on major roads; and
Ambulances unable to access homes

Other Road Issues

Poor road quality on Falls Road and other roads

Concern about future impact of Springvale campus on traffic in the area

Damage caused by Joyriders especially on Suffolk Road

Public Transport

There is a demand for public transport in West Belfast

Many people do not have access to car (50% of inner city households) and thus rely on public transport;

Population in area is ageing, growing need for appropriate accessible PT transport

The following key problems of public transport were identified:

There is a lack of buses serving the West Belfast area with poor links to other transport interchanges;
The Sunday bus service is poor and infrequent;
Public transport fares are too expensive;
Many estates not served by bus, leaving residents with long walks or reliance on taxis; and
Black Taxis are expensive if not shared.

Cycling/Walking

Car parking on narrow side streets leaves little room for pedestrians, for example on Twaddell Avenue

Kennedy Way Crossing is dangerous at the roundabout