Plans to ban cars from Hill Street and the surrounding Cathedral Quarter in Belfast have hit a roadblock, with the initiative being delayed due to other priorities within the Department for Infrastructure. The decision to temporarily halt the pedestrianization of the popular city center street has sparked criticism from local politicians and community members who view the move as a setback for the area’s economic and cultural development.
**Challenges in Implementing Car Ban**
The idea of pedestrianizing Hill Street, Gordon Street, and Waring Street was initially introduced in 2020 during the pandemic as a trial to promote walking and cycling in the area. However, the plans to make the pedestrianization permanent have been met with years of delays, with the latest setback being attributed to competing work priorities within the department. This delay has raised concerns among stakeholders who believe that pedestrianizing the area is crucial for enhancing the safety and vibrancy of the Cathedral Quarter.
**Political Response to the Delay**
In response to an Assembly question from DUP MLA, Phillip Brett, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd acknowledged that the pedestrianization plans had been put on hold temporarily. While citing competing work priorities as the reason for the delay, Mr. O’Dowd assured that the officials would resume work on the proposal as soon as resources become available. However, North Belfast MLA, Phillip Brett, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress on the pedestrianization scheme, labeling the situation as “frankly unacceptable.”
**Community Concerns and Calls for Action**
Local councilor Carl Whyte emphasized the urgency of pedestrianizing the busy nightlife area, citing safety concerns posed by the combination of car traffic and large crowds of people on Hill Street. He called for immediate action to address the issue and criticized the department for failing to prioritize the pedestrianization project despite its importance for the local economy and cultural scene. Additionally, he highlighted the support of all local businesses for the full pedestrianization of the area, underscoring the need for swift implementation of the plans.
**Proposed Solutions and Public Consultation**
In March, the Department for Infrastructure outlined its proposal to pedestrianize most of the street, including Gordon Street and Waring Street, and introduce a one-way system in the area. The initiative aimed to enhance pedestrian safety, encourage sustainable modes of transportation, and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment in the Cathedral Quarter. Furthermore, a public consultation on the pedestrianization of the area was proposed in 2022 to gather feedback and insights from the community on the potential benefits and challenges of the project.
As the debate over the car ban delay continues, stakeholders are calling for decisive action from the Department for Infrastructure to prioritize the pedestrianization of Hill Street and its surrounding areas. The implementation of the pedestrianization scheme is viewed as a crucial step towards fostering a safer, more vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly environment in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. While the current delay may present challenges, community members and local leaders remain committed to advocating for the successful realization of the pedestrianization plans to benefit the city’s residents, businesses, and cultural landscape.