Cars risk being banned from major UK city centre under new plans looking for 'permanent solution'

Drivers have been warned that cars could be banned from major parts of Belfast city centre under plans being drawn up by Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister.

The proposals come after more than 1.6 million people visited Belfast during the eight-day Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann music festival, when several streets were closed to traffic.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is now preparing to launch a public consultation on expanding pedestrianisation across the city centre.

The plan could mirror London's plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, which has been backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan.

In London, Sir Khan confirmed in March that the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street is expected to become traffic-free by the end of summer.

The scheme will close the road to private motor vehicles, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles, while emergency services will retain access.

Belfast could now be heading in a similar direction. Ms Kimmins said the success of the Fleadh had shown what could happen when traffic restrictions were introduced in busy parts of the city.

She added: "The measures introduced for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann clearly demonstrated the benefits of pedestrianisation and have led to calls for a more permanent solution.

"In the next few weeks, I will bring forward a consultation which includes proposals for the expansion of pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre."

Millions of people were recorded across Belfast during the festival, while public transport use also reached record levels.

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The consultation will allow residents, businesses, motorists and other groups to comment before permanent restrictions are considered.

"It is my ambition to reshape our town and city centres to put people first, creating more attractive, accessible and vibrant places while reducing car dependency," Ms Kimmins said.

The minister also stressed that accessibility would have to be considered and that she wanted to hear everyone's views before a final decision was made.

Exactly which roads could be affected has also not yet been confirmed, and there is no final decision on the extent of any permanent traffic restrictions.