Kimmins confirms pedestrianisation scheme for Hill Street, Belfast

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that an experimental scheme to pedestrianise Hill Street in Belfast will proceed.

The Minister said: “Following an informal consultation period during which concerns were raised by some businesses in the area around access to their premises, my officials agreed to undertake further discussions.

“Those discussions have now concluded positively and I can confirm that the necessary paperwork is currently being prepared to allow the experimental legislation to move forward.”

As required by legislation details of the experimental scheme, which will initially be introduced for a period of six months, will be advertised in the local press during October with the scheme expected to be implemented in November.

Notes to editors:

1. An experimental scheme is for an initial period of six months but can be extended up to 18 months before a decision must be taken to remove or make permanent.