Department for Infrastructure releases statement on traffic gridlock

The Department for Infrastructure has released a statement about the traffic gridlock across Belfast on Thursday.

They said while congestion is "typical" at this time of year, the issue was "exacerbated" by incidents on the M1 and M2, Disney on Ice at the SSE and traffic light outages.

DfI added that they are continuing to work with partners to "to undertake a range of mitigation measures to help ease traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre " and appealed to drivers not to "block yellow boxes" or consider other methods of transport such as cycling, park & rides and taking the bus or train.

Their full statement reads: "Yesterday evening Belfast city centre was particularly busy with pre-Christmas visitors. While this traffic is typical of this time of year, unfortunately a number of incidents and events caused increased traffic congestion across the city. These included a five car collision on the M2 and a number of incidents on the M1 country bound including a four car collision. These all led to a back up of traffic across the city while recovery operations took place and delays were further exacerbated by more cars travelling to the city to attend Disney on Ice at the SSE arena.

"The failure in the traffic lights at Ormeau Rd/Ormeau Ave/Cromac St also added to delays for traffic leaving the city during the evening peak period. While our contractors did attend yesterday afternoon to try to repair the lights, they were unable to do so because of the nature of the fault. The lights were successfully repaired by 11am this morning.

"The Department is continuing to work with partners to undertake a range of mitigation measures to help ease traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. The Department is particularly appealing to drivers to not block yellow boxes, as this only exacerbates the congestion.

"Consideration of other methods of travel will be key to helping address the current situation. That is why we have been encouraging travellers to avoid the congestion by considering other sustainable and active modes of travel such as public transport, using the park and ride sites or by walking or cycling.

"The less cars on the road, the less congestion there will be, and therefore, less disruption to public transport timetables.

" Translink offer a number of discounted and promotional fares and we would encourage customers to visit the Translink website or speak to a member of Translink staff for the best options for their journeys. In addition, the Concessionary Fares Scheme remains available to provide free and discounted fare travel to some of the most vulnerable in our society."

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