Buses get 'enhanced priority' with new bus lane changes

Some bus lanes, like this one on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast, are changing their operation times

Several bus lanes in Belfast and Carryduff have had their operating hours extended as part of efforts to improve traffic flow before Christmas.

The roads affected will now impose bus lane rules at peak traffic times in both directions, mornings and afternoons, from 07:30 to 09:30 GMT and 15:30 to 18:30 GMT.

Changes to the rules on Stranmillis Road; Lower Lisburn Road; Ormeau Road; Saintfield Road; Malone Road; Upper Malone Road; Botanic Avenue and Ballynahinch Road in Carryduff came into effect on Monday morning.

"Please look out for the new signs and do not drive or park in the bus lanes during these hours," the Department for Infrastructure said.

The Department for Infrastructure has asked drivers to look out for the new signs

Last month, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins wrote to business groups outlining plans to extend bus lane hours as part of efforts to improve traffic flow before Christmas.

In her letter, seen by BBC News NI, Kimmins said the plans aimed to give buses "enhanced priority" so that they "can turn up on time without being snarled up in traffic".

Last year, car journey times in parts of Belfast more than doubled during peak periods before Christmas, prompting complaints from motorists and businesses.

On some occasions fewer than a quarter of Metro bus services arrived on time.

Since last December, more taxis have been permitted to use some city centre bus lanes in an effort to ease congestion.