Parking and traffic changes in the pipeline

The new legislation, which will make changes to on-street parking and how traffic will move around the square, has been undertaken as part of the ongoing public realm works in the area.

One of the most notable changes will be a ban on right hand turns from Market Square North into Market Square East. This means that traffic from Market Square North will travel straight on to Castle Street, rather than turning at the back of the Linen Centre.

The new legislation will also amend the one-way system on Bow Street and Market Square North from Antrim Street to the junction with Railway Street so that vehicles can only travel in an easterly direction.

Roads Service also intends to provide a new coach bay on Market Square South so that coaches can park for 30 minutes between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday.

On-street parking bays at Market Square East and Market Street will be relocated, as will a loading bay on Market Square East and Market Square South.

Two new loading bays will also be provided on Market Square South, in addition to new loading bays which have been planned for Market Square East and Bachelors’ Walk.

The Department of Regional Development is also progressing legislation changes for the taxi-rank, bus-stop and accessible parking bays in Market Square and Market Street.

Full detail of the new legislation is available from the Department of Regional Development’s TransportNI Eastern Division at Hydebank, 4 Hospital Road, Belfast, BT8 8JL.