Hazzard brings forward measures to enforce illegal use of bus lanes and clearways in Belfast

Date published: 12 January 2017

Minister Hazzard has today announced a number of additional measures to reduce the number of vehicles illegally driving and parking in bus lanes and clearways in Belfast.

Bus in bus lane at May Street

In February the mobile cctv enforcement vehicle will park on footways, where it is safe to do so, to enforce bus lane restrictions.

The Minster said:

“Bus lanes play a vital role in creating a modern and effective transport network and contribute to a reduction in congestion and environmental pollution.

“Allowing the mobile cctv vehicle to park safely on footpaths where enforcement is currently not possible will increase enforcement coverage and will help to reduce the number of vehicles continuing to drive illegally in bus lanes.”

There are also plans to introduce a vehicle Removal and Clamping enforcement operation for bus lanes and clearways later in 2017.

This operation is aimed at inconsiderate drivers who park illegally during the operational hours of bus lanes and clearways on the main arterial routes into and out of Belfast.

The Minster said:

“It is of great concern that vehicles continue to park in bus lanes and urban clearway routes during operational hours causing significant delays and congestion for commuters on their journeys to and from work.

“All it takes is one inconsiderate driver to leave their vehicle parked illegally in a bus lane or on a clearway for a short period of time causing inconvenience to countless others.  These illegally parked vehicles can cause delays and congestion for several hours not only in the immediate location but also in the surrounding areas.

“To deal with this problem I plan to deploy an enforcement vehicle to carry out the removal and clamping of illegally parked vehicles in bus lanes and on clearways.”

The main benefits of these measures are:

  • improved traffic flows
  • improved reliability and journey times for public transport services
  • improved journey times for general traffic
  • make sustainable transport options more attractive
  • reduced congestion and associated environmental pollution 

Notes to editors: 

  1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
  2. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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