Car club is positive move for Belfast, but better public transport is needed

5.12.20pm GMT Tue 2nd Jan 2007

Antrim Alliance Councillor, Alan Lawther

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson, Cllr Alan Lawther, has backed plans for a car club in Belfast but said that the government still has a long way to go on the road to helping the environment and cutting traffic congestion. He stated that improving public transport would be the best way to stop traffic jams and help Belfast go green. Travelwise NI, which is part of Roads Service, has asked Carplus to conduct a feasibility study into creating a car club.

The Antrim Councillor stated: "I am glad to see that Roads Service are looking into new and radical ways of cutting congestion and emissions in Belfast. However, there are many miles to go on the journey towards creating the right transport balance for the future.

"Congestion in Belfast is increasing at an alarming rate, with figures suggesting a 25% increase in the problem by 2015. Improving public transport in Northern Ireland would be the best way to get people out of their cars. Better bus and train services which run on a more frequent basis, will help encourage people to go green.

"This car club scheme is a step in the right direction, but the cars used must be environmentally-friendly."

ENDS