Motorists warned of sweeping road traffic rule changes as new laws could introduce £1,000 fine

As part of the suggested changes to traffic regulations, drivers could be hit with fines for breaching new road rules across Belfast city centre, with penalties ranging between £90 and £1,000.

The proposals would establish two-way cycle lanes along Durham Street's eastern side and create shared pedestrian and cycling areas throughout the city centre.

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Under the proposals, motorists who enter cycle lanes, park in restricted zones or violate clearway regulations hit with a substantial financial penalty.

The sweeping changes form part of wider traffic management reforms affecting Boyne Bridge Place, Hope Street, Glengall Street and Great Victoria Street, with new restrictions planned for implementation later this year.

The eastern side of Durham Street will feature cycle lanes running from Athol Street to Grosvenor Road, with additional sections extending towards Glengall Street.

These dedicated lanes will be bounded by traffic islands and kerbs, creating protected routes for cyclists. Waiting prohibitions will apply at all times on various lengths of these roads, though loading and unloading will remain permitted in designated areas.

However, emergency vehicles, utility companies and medical practitioners will be exempt from certain restrictions when carrying out essential duties.

Meanwhile, Hackney carriage stands will undergo substantial relocation under the proposals, with existing taxi ranks on Glengall Street's southern side and Great Victoria Street's western side set for removal.

Two replacement stands will be established on Boyne Bridge Place, positioned in lay-bys on both the eastern and western sides of the road.

The eastern stand will accommodate seven taxis in a lay-by situated 22.1 metres south of the Glengall Street junction, while the western stand will provide space for six vehicles approximately 35.1 metres north of the Grand Central Station access road junction.

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The Amelia Street taxi stand will also see modifications to its operational arrangements under the new department proposals.

The one-way traffic system on Glengall Street will be extended to cover its entire length, with vehicles restricted to eastward travel between the northern kerbline and the northern edge of the southern cycle lane. St Andrews Square West's existing one-way arrangement will be abolished under the changes.

Meanwhile, motorists travelling eastbound on either Glengall Street or Hope Street will be required to turn left when reaching Great Victoria Street, with compulsory left-turn requirements being added to existing traffic regulations.

The transport authority explained that the mandatory turning movements aim to improve traffic flow and cyclist safety at the busy junction.

The urban clearway restrictions on Durham Street will operate between 8am and 9:30am, and 4:30pm to 6pm on weekdays, with similar timings applying to the newly designated Boyne Bridge Place clearway.

A separate consultation affecting Middlepath Street proposes introducing controlled parking arrangements between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

Motorists would be limited to 60 minutes of parking time, with vehicles prohibited from returning to the same parking space for an hour after departure.

The Department for Infrastructure's draft order also looks to designate specific sections of Middlepath Street as authorised parking places, establishing conditions for their use. Certain vehicles would be exempt from these restrictions under specified circumstances.