Belfast's air pollution plummets 25%—can cleaner streets last beyond lockdown?

Air pollution in Belfast has dropped by 25% since lockdown began. The reduction comes as traffic levels fall and more people turn to walking and cycling. Now, campaigners are urging Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure to make these changes permanent by reallocating road space for safer, healthier travel options. Many footways across Northern Ireland are narrower than two metres. This forces pedestrians to step onto roads, creating risks during social distancing. Cycling has also surged in popularity since the pandemic started, yet infrastructure struggles to keep up.

Temporary street changes have already worked in cities worldwide. These include pop-up bike lanes and widened pavements to help people move safely. One proposal suggests converting a traffic lane on Belfast’s Antrim Road into a two-way cycle lane. The call for action comes from a partnership with Cycling UK. An open letter, backed by recommendations, has been sent to the Minister for Infrastructure. The Department holds the authority to introduce these measures quickly using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders. Supporters argue that keeping these changes could lock in cleaner air and healthier travel habits. They point to the lockdown’s impact as proof that fewer cars mean better air quality.

The push for reallocated road space aims to protect pedestrians and cyclists during the pandemic and beyond. If approved, the measures could make walking and cycling safer while maintaining lower pollution levels. The Department for Infrastructure now faces a decision on whether to turn temporary fixes into long-term solutions.