Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0       Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1         To provide an update on a number of Department for Infrastructure (DfI) consultations and outline a proposed response to the consultations.  The schemes for which details have been received are:  M1 and M2 busways; traffic calming scheme in Tennent Street; the Rathgar Street, proposed one way traffic; waiting restrictions on various streets in Belfast; and the extension of the bus lane on the Holywood Road.

2.0         Recommendations

2.1         The Committee is asked to:

·        Consider the draft response summarised in paragraphs 3.5 - 3.7 and if appropriate agree the submission to DfI of the draft response set out on modern.gov.

3.0         Main report

3.1         Key Issues

              M1 and M2 Busways – Proposed hard shoulder bus lanes

              The Department proposes to improve provision of public transport facilities on the M1 and M2 approaches by introducing new sections of hard shoulder bus lanes. The proposals will be an extension to the existing hard shoulder bus lanes on the M1 and M2.  It should be noted that the hard shoulder will remain available for use in an emergency.

3.2         The hard shoulder bus lanes will normally operate between 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and variable message signs will indicate when the bus lanes are open. Only buses and coaches with 28 or more seats will be legally permitted to use the hard shoulder bus lanes.

              Transport Scheme Consultations

3.3         Consultation on proposals for 2 traffic management schemes, 8 waiting restrictions and a bus lane extension have also been received.

3.4         The traffic management is proposed for parts of Tennent and Rathgar Streets.  The waiting restrictions are proposed for Apollo Road, Connswater Street, Stoneyford Street, Ballymacarrett Road (Frazer Pass), Ballymacarrett Road, Frazer Pass (Ballymacarrett Road), Carrick Street and Townsend Street.  The area of extended bus lane is located along the Holywood Road.  Details of the extent of the proposed changes are set out in the papers available on modern.gov.

              Proposed Consultation Responses

3.5         There is a high volume of travel by car into and out of Belfast, particularly by single occupancy private cars for commuting purposes. The development and use of the extended bus lanes during congested periods will improve journey time reliability for public transport users and should encourage a modal shift. The hard shoulder areas to be utilised will remain available for use in an emergency and Variable Message Signs will be highlight when the bus lanes cannot be accessed or are unavailable.  It is suggested that the Council welcome the proposals to extend bus lanes along the hard shoulders on the M1 and M2 as the proposals should promote and encourage the use of public transport for travel into Belfast. It is also proposed that the members encourage the department to continue to investigate and promote extended Park & Ride facilities, and the installation of continuous bus lanes on the M1 & M2 corridors

3.6         It should be noted that the waiting restrictions and other schemes have been requested by either members, residents and businesses. The basis for the requests being to improve road safety and traffic movement on the streets and prevent all day commuter parking.  It is proposed that these traffic management schemes on Tennent Street and Rathgar Street and proposed waiting restrictions on various streets in Belfast are therefore supported by Council.

3.7         The proposal to extend the city bound bus lane on a section of Holywood Road would assist public transport movement along this arterial route and it is suggested that this should also be supported by Council.

3.8         Financial & Resource Implications

              None

3.9         Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

              None.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.