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NOTE: This is an April Fool story so if you're reading this after 1 April, please bear that in mind.
Newry is set to be the first city in Ireland to be part of a new pilot programme that aims to investigate the potential benefit a car free city could bring its citizens. Increasing concerns surrounding climate change and the health issues noxious fumes are known to cause are just two of the areas that will be analysed. The pilot scheme is being administered by the ACTIVE organisation. ACTIVE promotes reimagined inteligent layouts for opportunities on liveability.
The unique scheme 'Car Free is Carefree' will take place during the month of June. From 2 June Newry City centre will be designated a car free zone every Friday and Saturday from 7am to 12 midnight each day. Deliveries will be able to take place at any stage between Midnight and 7am but at all other times only emergency vehicles will be able to gain access. In a scene reminiscent of the troubles large concrete structures will be placed on all access roads to the zone and removed between midnight and 7am.
The central zone will be protected with concrete barriers on the southern side of Bridge Street/Dominic Street Traffic lights, Rathfriland Road at Talbot Street junction, Kilmorey Street at Gateway Club, Canal Street at New Street junction and Camlough Road at Roundabout. Other minor routes will also be sealed.
In the absence of the Stormont Executive sitting special regulations will be brought in by Department civil servants to enable the streets to be legally closed off during these times, with extra powers given to Traffic Wardens and Police who will be able to arrange to tow away and impound any vehicle found in breach of the regulations.
It is expected that Hill Street and Monaghan Street and all the surrounding areas will become a hive of activity with walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters, e-scooter riders, children on tricycles, boats and canoes finally finding a free space in their city, but in truth organisers are only guessing the results.
Other countries in Europe have experimented with car free initiatives with some making their schemes permanent. The Medieval city of Ghent in Belgium has been car free since the 1980's and it has been a tremendous success, increasing the footfall and making the city centre much more attractive to visit. Ghent Mayor Floir Paló believes it could work in somewhere like Newry too, especially with our Canal heritage. Mr Paló said "I think Newry should embrace the opportunity that this pilot programme is providing. I see a lot of similarities between Ghent and Newry. Your city has vibrant streetscapes and a very busy historic canal not unlike our own city, and I believe your local council is carrying out public realm work to make cycling and walking a much more attractive proposition. I hope the initiative is a resounding success"
