Belfast on the Move, by Car
As cities go, Belfast could be described as fairly dependent on the motor car. London is congested; there is actually a tax to reduce congestion. Many people prefer to take the Underground to move around the city rather than attempt to negotiate the roads. London of course is much bigger than Belfast but Ulster’s capital still ranks as one of the largest cities in the UK.
Its metropolitan population is approaching 650,000 and it seems that three quarters of the journeys its people take are by car. It means the roads are fairly busy at all times.
The Economy
Most households now have a car; that is much the same everywhere these days so there is a relatively strong service infrastructure relating to the automotive industry. The city’s economy has grown in recent years although like many places on the Mainland there has been a switch from the heavy industry that was the initial reason for its growth. There is still a link to its past however.
Just recently it was the city’s expertise that won it a large defence contract from the Government to design and manufacture the most modern guided missiles. Short Brothers aerospace company in Belfast was the first aircraft manufacturer in the world. Most people however keep their feet on the ground or at least they sit in their cars to lead their everyday lives.
Car Costs
Running a car does not come cheap. The cost of petrol has risen over the years not least due to the excise duty put on fuel by the Government. Insurance premiums reflect the fact that there are more cars on the roads hence an increased likelihood of accidents. It is important not to cut corners when it comes to a car.
It needs to be properly maintained with good tyres to grip the road. There are local companies with some of the best deals on tyres Belfast has to offer so that everyone can make sure they keep their car in top shape.
Service
The recent recession hit the automotive industry hard. Many people had to put off changing their cars simply because they were uncertain about the future. This was reflected in sales of both new and used cars. It added to the challenge facing service and repair companies charged with keeping older vehicles on the road.
It was something that good companies with experienced and skilled workers took in their stride. The service that has been provided has stood them in good stead now that the economy is starting to grow once more. Belfast is certainly matching the growth of any other city in the UK and that is good news for everyone, business and consumer alike. It is to be hoped it continues that way.
