Hazzard announces bus lane changes from 24 hour to 12 hour

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has today announced three 24 hour bus lanes in Belfast will now be operational over 12 hours only.

On East Bridge Street, the bus lane will now be operational from 7.00 am and 7.00 pm Monday to Saturday inclusive. During the hours of operation this bus lane may be used by buses and cycles only. 

On the Saintfield Road, the bus lane will also now be operational from 7.00 am and 7.00 pm Monday to Friday inclusive. During the hours of operation the bus lane may be used by buses, cycles, motor cycles and public hire taxis.

On the Upper Newtownards Road, the bus lane will operate from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm Monday to Saturday inclusive. During the hours of operation this bus lane may be used by buses, cycles, motor cycles and public hire taxis.

Outside the hours of operation the lengths of road may be used by other traffic.

Commenting on the changes, Minister Hazzard said: 

“The changes I am announcing today are consistent with existing city centre bus lanes and the proposed operational hours of the Belfast Rapid Transit scheme and will help ensure the free flow of traffic in and around Belfast city. 

“In modern cities with efficient public transport systems, bus lanes are the norm and vital for the many thousands of users who opt to travel by bus to school, work or for pleasure.

“Filling one bus with passengers equates to the removal of around 50 cars from our roads - that is a queue of cars about 1/3 kilometre long.  The new operational times will begin on Monday 23 January and I know will be welcomed by many who use these busy routes through the city.”

Notes to editors: 

1. A review of all 24 hour bus lanes took place in March. It recommended that three of the 24 hour bus lanes could be amended to 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, including East Bridge Street, Saintfield Road at Forestside and Upper Newtownards Road.
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007.  Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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