Weight limit plan for lorries in Hillsborough

Regional Development Minister Michele McIlveen said that she intends to introduce the 7.5 tonne restriction within the conservation area of the village in a staged approach. The first phase will apply to the stretch of Lisburn Street from the Culcavy Road to the Ballynahinch Road/ Main Street junction.

Ms McIlveen said: “This scheme is designed to help reduce the large numbers of HGV traffic that travel daily through the historic village of Hillsborough but still allow businesses to trade normally.

“I am confident the conservation area and those living and working in the village will benefit from this proposal.

“This proposal now has to go through a short legislative and consultation process and I would encourage everyone to make their views known. I am committed to improving the safety and the management of traffic on the road network around the Hillsborough area and I believe this proposal will deliver that aim.”

The scheme will be monitored after introduction of stage one, and further phases considered if necessary.

The Department of Regional Development said that the legislative process for the introduction of a weight limit will be advertised in the coming weeks and the public will be able to make representations to the proposal within 22 days of the date of the placing of the ‘Notice of Intention’ advertisement in media.