Infrastructure Minister has announced a pilot scheme
which will permit Class A and Class C taxis to use certain bus
lanes in Belfast city centre while road works associated with
Grand Central Station are carried out.
To facilitate essential public realm works around the new station
a full road closure of Durham Street (from Grosvenor Road to Hope
Street) will be in place for a period of up to 12 months.
Following the completion of the necessary legislative processes,
the Department aims to introduce an experimental scheme which
would allow Class A and Class C taxis to use specified city
centre bus lanes for the duration of the works. Further
details on commencement of the pilot will be confirmed in due
course.
Minister O'Dowd said:
“The closure of Durham Street is necessary for the development of
Belfast Grand Central Station and associated public realm
works. My Department has worked closely with Translink to
manage traffic flow during the ongoing construction, however some
level of disruption is unavoidable while these important works
are carried out.
“In order to alleviate some of the disruption, and to support the
taxi industry, I have asked my officials to urgently bring
forward proposals which will permit Class A and Class C taxis to
use certain bus lanes in the vicinity of the works.
“The taxi industry provides an important service within our
community ensuring people, including the most vulnerable in
society, have door to door access to work, education, socialising
and medical appointments. Tourists to the city, including
those arriving at the new station, are also regular users of
taxis.
“My Department will be taking forward the necessary legislative
arrangements as quickly as possible and I will announce further
details on the commencement of the pilot in the near future.”
Notes to editors:
- Both Class B and Class D taxis are already permitted to use
bus lanes.
