One of Belfast’s major taxi firms, Fonacab, has proposed opening up bus lanes to taxi drivers to help alleviate the city center’s ongoing traffic congestion. Stephen Anton, the communications manager at Fonacab, emphasized the negative impact of the ongoing work on Belfast’s Boyne Bridge on the taxi trade in the city. The closure of the bridge as part of the redevelopment project around the Grand Central Station has led to challenges for taxi drivers in navigating the city.
In addition to the issues related to the Boyne Bridge closure, plans to pedestrianize Hill Street in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter have been put on hold by the Department for Infrastructure. This delay in pedestrianization has added to the traffic congestion in the area, affecting both drivers and customers. Mr. Anton highlighted the challenges faced by taxi drivers in navigating congested areas like Hill Street and how it impacts their ability to efficiently serve customers.
Mr. Anton suggested several solutions to address Belfast’s traffic problems, including temporary realignment of bus and cycle lanes on Dublin Road, redirecting traffic to alternative routes like Ormeau Avenue and Ormeau Road, and allowing right turns on certain streets to improve traffic flow. These proposed changes aim to reduce congestion in key areas like Great Victoria Street and Dublin Road, where traffic tends to bottleneck due to limited lanes and road closures.
Furthermore, Mr. Anton pointed out the impact of ongoing roadworks and construction projects on traffic flow in Belfast. He highlighted the need for better coordination of roadworks and infrastructure projects to minimize disruptions to the transportation system. Mr. Anton emphasized the importance of having efficient exit routes out of the city to ease congestion and improve the overall traffic experience for drivers and commuters.
Overall, the insights provided by Stephen Anton shed light on the challenges faced by taxi drivers in Belfast due to traffic congestion and road closures. By proposing practical solutions and highlighting the need for better traffic management, Mr. Anton offers valuable suggestions for improving the city’s transportation infrastructure and easing congestion in key areas. As Belfast continues to grow and develop, addressing traffic issues will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation network for residents and visitors alike.
