Transport plan under fire

The plan envisages a shake-up in public transport

Northern Ireland's public transport system faces major problems if it is to cope with the demands of the 21st century, it has been claimed.

A leading transport expert has said proposals for the most radical shake-up of transport management in 60 years failed to address many of them.

A plan to invest more than £1bn in public transport and roads in the province over the next 10 years was outlined earlier this month by the government.

The Regional Strategic Transport Network Plan, which proposes investing about £530m in the rail network and £60m in roads maintenance, is expected to be finalised early next year.

However, Translink transport expert Professor Julian Hine said there was nothing to encourage people to use public transport, such as a restricting car parking spaces in Belfast city centre.

He also said the plan made no mention of the fact that if impending EU legislation is approved, it would mean a vast change in how Northern Ireland's existing public transport was provided.

Professor Julian Hine said city car parks may have to be taxed

Speaking after a major consultation on the new plan, the University of Ulster professor said: "No systematic thought appears to have been given to how this major change will translate into service provision.

"In addition, the plan has no proposals on how to encourage people to use public transport."

He said there was a welcome proposal for investment in infrastructure.

"Unless the supply of city car parking spaces is restricted, perhaps by refusing planning applications for new car parks, and taxing those that currently exist, there is nothing to encourage use of public transport."

He said there was a need for a mechanism which would encourage a significant change in behaviour.

"There is provision for park and ride facilities - which are important - but these need to be enhanced considerably. In other words we need demand management."

Professor Hine said such a strategy, like the congestion charging introduced in London would require a "level of political will which Northern Ireland shows no sign of developing."

"Without confronting these key issues," he said, " the DRD's new strategic transport plan could be tackling the same issue in 2012, when the strategic transport plan will need to be revised for the next plan period."

He said the consequences of getting it wrong would be a "major setback for society".

When the plan was outlined by NIO minister John Spellar, he said it would provide the whole of Northern Ireland with an "efficient, integrated transport system which actively benefits society, the economy and the environment".

Some other proposals in the plan include the provision of accessible coaches and boarding points for people with disabilities and improved cycling facilities with the provision of secure parking of bicycles at rail stations and on trains and the provision of travel information.