DfI urges Belfast to work from home to escape traffic chaos
- The Department for Infrastructure in Belfast has proposed that residents work from home to help alleviate traffic congestion.
- Colin Woods highlighted the road network's insufficiency to handle the current volume of traffic, encouraging alternative transportation methods.
- Adopting remote work just one day a week could lead to significant reductions in congestion in the city.
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, heavy traffic congestion has become a pressing issue, particularly in the city center. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has responded to this ongoing problem by encouraging local residents to consider working from home at least one day a week. Colin Woods, a representative from the DfI, highlighted that the road network is currently over capacity, which has resulted in significant traffic buildup and frustration for commuters. To alleviate these congestion problems, the department has advocated for alternative modes of transport such as walking, cycling, or using public transit. Mr. Woods emphasized that the physical space available on the roads is insufficient to accommodate a high volume of vehicles. With no room to increase road capacity, his department's strategy centers around reducing the number of cars on the road by promoting public transport or active travel options. Significant measures have been undertaken to facilitate better traffic flow and support for public transport, including the removal of looping traffic patterns and adjusting traffic lights at critical junctions. Moreover, the DfI has made several investments to address congestion, notably the construction of the Belfast Grand Central Station. Mr. Woods expressed optimism, calling this new station a