New Rush Hour Bus Lane Rules Now Officially in Effect

Bus lane rules will now apply on the affected roads in both directions during peak traffic hours, from 07:30 to 09:30 GMT and 15:30 to 18:30 GMT, in both mornings and afternoons.

The changes came into effect on Stranmillis Road; Lower Lisburn Road; Ormeau Road; Saintfield Road; Malone Road; Upper Malone Road; Botanic Avenue and Ballynahinch Road in Carryduff on Monday morning.

"Please look out for the new signs and do not drive or park in the bus lanes during these hours," the Department for Infrastructure said.

Last month, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins wrote to business groups outlining plans to extend bus lane times as part of efforts to improve traffic flow before Christmas.

In her letter, seen by BBC News NI, Kimmins said the plans aim to give buses "greater priority" so they can arrive on time without getting stuck in traffic.

Last year, car journey times more than doubled in some parts of Belfast during the peak period before Christmas, leading to complaints from motorists and businesses.

On some occasions, less than a quarter of Metro bus services arrived on time.

Since last December, more taxis have been allowed to use some bus lanes in the city center in an effort to ease congestion.