Hi °C | Lo °C The Department of Regional Development (DRD) has, in the last week, been promoting its plan to exclude vehicles from Donegall Place in Belfast as a response to the death last year in a tragic accident of 16-year-old Ciara Park.
People have been led to believe that this scheme has been put in place primarily to improve pedestrian safety in the city centre.
Unfortunately, these claims simply do not stand up.
Firstly, Donegall Place is being closed to traffic to allow extensive works in connection with the 'Streets Ahead' project. This plan was in place long before last November's events.
Secondly, Ciara was knocked down in Royal Avenue, not Donegall Place.
The same number of buses pass this point as before; the only difference is that they now make a right turn to enter Royal Avenue from High Street, where previously they came straight across from Donegall Place.
Thirdly, but most importantly, the proposed changes do nothing to make pedestrians safer, or indeed to allow them to assume more responsibility for either their own safety or that of others.
Any bus driver will tell you that driving in Royal Avenue is a nightmare, due to the sheer numbers of people who just wander out in front of oncoming traffic without a care in the world.
The answer, or course, is that what is really needed is an integrated transport strategy addressing the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport, creating a safe environment in which everyone can go about their business.
METRO MAN
Moira, Co Down
