Embargo on roadworks for festive season

The embargo took effect on November 30 and will continue until January 4, 2016.

Making the announcement, the TRrnsport Minister said: “This voluntary arrangement between TransportNI and the utility companies will place a temporary ban on all planned road works on the main routes in Belfast and Lisburn, except for works which are unavoidable.

“This is the seventeenth year of operation. The embargo has been very successful in previous years and well received by the respective Chambers of Trade and Commerce and other business organisations.

“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.”

Lisburn’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alexander Redpath welcomed the announcement by the Transport Minister,

“The news of an embargo on roadworks on major routes into Lisburn city centre will be welcome for both motorists and local businesses,” said Mr Redpath.

“The run up to Christmas is a very busy time, particularly for shops and traders in Lisburn, and anything that can be done to make the shopping experience easier and encourage more shoppers into the city centre is to be welcomed.”