A road in the heart of Belfast has been pedestrianised as part of a new scheme from Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Announced earlier this week by infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins, the new experimental traffic control scheme has come into effect on Hill Street, a cobbled road running between Gordon Street and Waring Street. A one-way system will also be introduced on Gordon Street at its junction with Hill Street to Dunbar Street.
The DfI is expected to keep the experimental scheme under review for an initial six-month period, which can be extended up to 18 months.
As part of ‘a thriving area' in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, the minister stated that it has been seeing an increasing number of visitors, leading to local businesses expressing support for the area being pedestrianised.
Ms Kimmens said: ‘This scheme will facilitate a vibrant social space that prioritises people by making the streets safer for pedestrians. By contributing to a more pleasant and enjoyable environment it will help maximise the street's potential and enhance the nighttime and weekend economy. The scheme is also complemented by our recent announcement of late night buses, ensuring that more people can visit and socialise in the city centre safely.'
