AQW 23789/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 04/03/2025
Answered On Date: 18/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any options being considered to relieve vehicular traffic near Finaghy Health Centre, Belfast, not least given the negative impact on air quality from fumes at that location.

Answer:

The current traffic signal sequencing at Finaghy crossroads is complex, with up to 6 traffic movements and 4 pedestrian movements that need to be controlled efficiently but more importantly, safely, within the limited road space available.

The Department has introduced advanced dynamic traffic signal control called MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation). MOVA gathers flow information, on each movement, from detector loops buried in the carriageway surface and amends signal timing according to the prevailing flow.

The benefits of MOVA control vary from site-to-site but delay savings are typically between 10-20%.

My Department is actively seeking to empower people to make more sustainable choices, particularly for shorter everyday journeys and in combination with public transport for longer journeys. With safe, reliable, and accessible active travel infrastructure, individuals are more likely to embrace healthier alternatives to driving, in turn reducing congestion in our towns and cities.