9 November 2006

ROADWORKS EMBARGO ANNOUNCED FOR CHRISTMAS PERIOD - LONDONDERRY

Roads Minister, David Cairns, today announced an embargo on planned road works on major routes into Derry 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 into Londonderry, except for works which are unavoidable. The embargo period lasts from 4 December 2006 to 2 January 2007."

"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."

Stephen Kelly, Town Centre Manager, also welcomed the embargo. He said: "The 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 co-ordinated by Roads Service through the DRAUC (Divisional Roads Authority and Utilities Committee).

2. This is the 6th 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.

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

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