2 December 2004

ROAD WORKS EMBARGO FOR CHRISTMAS PERIOD IN LONDONDERRY

Minister of State, John Spellar, MP, today announced a Roads Service embargo on planned road works on key streets in Londonderry city centre and on major routes into the city, from 6 December to 3 January, to facilitate Christmas traffic.

The Minister said: "This voluntary arrangement, between Roads Service and the utility companies, will place a temporary ban on all planned road works on the main routes in Londonderry, except for works which are unavoidable.

"The roadworks embargo will help the travelling public during the run-up to Christmas, which is the busiest traffic period of the year. I would like to thank the utilities, which have all fully co-operated with this initiative.

"However, it is necessary to continue the strengthening and refurbishment of Foyle Bridge during December. City-bound traffic will remain reduced to one lane over a short distance until the strengthening work is completed. This work is being carefully co-ordinated and although there may be some delay to city-bound traffic, I hope this can be kept to a minimum."

Stephen Kelly, Town Centre Manager for Londonderry, also welcomed the embargo. He said: "City Centre Initiative warmly welcomes this agreement. It will help ensure that retailers, shoppers and visitors have a prosperous Christmas and it will, undoubtedly, assist trade, traffic and vibrancy in the city."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Christmas embargo is a voluntary ban on all roadworks on the city centre streets and the arterial routes into Londonderry.

2. It is co-ordinated by Roads Service through the DRAUC (Divisional Roads Authority and Utilities Committee).

3. It has been very successful in previous years and well received by the Chamber of Trade and similar organisations.

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