Plans to extend bus lane operating hours on several north Belfast roads have been postponed, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed.

The proposal would have added a weekday evening peak period, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, to existing morning restrictions on routes including York Street, Shore Road and Antrim Road. The change was designed as a six-month experimental traffic management measure to improve bus journey reliability.

However, a statutory consultation drew 40 objections and four representations. Ms Kimmins said her department needed to fully consider the feedback before deciding whether to proceed.

The postponement contrasts with a similar scheme in south Belfast, where bus lane hours were extended last November. That measure has been credited with improving punctuality and passenger numbers and has been extended for a further six months.

North Belfast DUP assembly member Phillip Brett, who had submitted Stormont questions on the issue, described the minister’s reversal as welcome but expressed frustration over spending on signage and preparatory work ahead of the now-postponed scheme. He argued the area needed investment in roads, public transport and the planned north-south Glider service, not measures that could increase congestion and harm local businesses.

Green Party leader Mal O’Hara, who represents north Belfast, urged the minister not to delay further. He said many in the community did not own a car and relied on fast, reliable buses, and accused the minister of putting the convenience of wealthier car owners above the transport needs of some of the poorest areas.

Paul Carlin, chair of the Antrim Road Business Association, said traders were worried about access for customers and deliveries. He said change was difficult for small businesses and the wrong decision could force closures, but acknowledged that a good transport system could also bring benefits.

A Translink spokesperson said bus priority schemes had been shown to deliver more reliable journey times and make public transport more attractive, and the operator would continue working with the department on any future proposals.

A departmental spokesperson said the proposed north Belfast changes were intended to improve bus journey time reliability and that all objections and representations would be carefully considered.