9 November 2006

ROADWORKS EMBARGO ANNOUNCED FOR CHRISTMAS PERIOD

Roads Minister, David Cairns, has announced an embargo on planned roadworks on major routes into Belfast, Bangor and Lisburn 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 Belfast, Bangor and Lisburn, except for works which are unavoidable. The embargo takes effect from the last week of November and will continue until 2 January.

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

Joanne Jennings, Belfast City Centre Manager, also welcomed the embargo. She said: "The shoppers and traders of Belfast will greatly benefit from this initiative and I hope it will encourage even more people to travel into the city during the Christmas period."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

2. This is the ninth year of operation.

3. The purpose of the embargo is to improve traffic conditions during the busiest time of year and to enhance the shopping experience for visitors to main retail areas in the province.

4. It has been very successful in previous years and well received by the respective Chambers of Trade and similar organisations.

5. Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0007.

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