A strategy to end rush-hour traffic congestion in Belfast was announced yesterday by the North's Environment Minister, Lord Dubs. He said the aim was to make Belfast a city for people, not cars.
The strategy document, "Moving Forward", was launched at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra, Co Down. It recommends more bus lanes, the relaying of the Bangor railway line, and greater provision for cyclists and pedestrians.
It also suggests the possibility of road tolls - imposing a levy on motorists commuting into city centres.
The school run is one of the major causes of rush-hour congestion, accounting for a fifth of car journeys during the morning rush-our, according to the document.
It hopes to encourage more children to walk, cycle or use public transport. It proposes the trial of electric buses in the North, beginning in the new year in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The budget for the proposals has already been announced. It includes £87 million for Westlink junctions and other road improvements.
There is a £15.8 million order for new buses for Translink and a £14 million project to reopen the Antrim-Bleach Green railway line. However, the £80 million which Northern Ireland Railways needs for new suburban trains will have to come from the private sector under a public-private partnership.
Speaking at the launch of the transport strategy document, Lord Dubs said: "The purpose is to ensure in the longer term that congestion and traffic-generated pollution do not reach unacceptable levels and that people are given real choice in how they travel for work or leisure.
"In Belfast, where traffic problems are greatest, the plan brings forward a package of measures to transform it into a city for people, not for cars, as it was some 30 or 40 years ago."
The Confederation of British Industry in the North welcomed the document. Its director, Mr Nigel Smyth, said he looked forward to working with the new Assembly on the matter. SDLP Assembly member Ms Carmel Hanna also responded positively to the proposals.
"As with the new political arrangements and the need to put the past behind us, mindsets in relation to private car usage will need to be substantially decommissioned." The Workers' Party said there was a need for residents-only parking zones.