Speeding drivers causing concern in estate

Speeding drivers causing concern in estate

26 August 2015

SPEEDING drivers are placing the lives of children at a Killyleagh housing estate at risk, according to a local politician.

Councillor Billy Walker said he has been contacted by concerned parents who live at the The Old Mill development at the Downpatrick Road.

He said so-called boy racers are driving through the estate at speed, posing a risk to children and other pedestrians. In addition to safety concerns, Councillor Walker said residents are upset at the noise the young drivers are making with their engines.

“Quite a number of children live at this estate and there is only one way in and one way out. The young drivers are making a nuisance of themselves and the speed they are driving at is a major concern.

“Many young families have set up home at what was once the town’s spinning mill factory and they should not have to contend with these drivers showing a blatant disregard for other people’s safety.”

Councillor Walker confirmed he plans to raise the issue with roads officials and hopes consideration will be given to erecting signs to restrict the speed of vehicles at the housing development to 20mph.

“A similar scheme has been proposed for the Langley Road in Ballynahinch and while it has not yet been implemented, I hope this will happen in the near future. Restricting the speed motorists can drive through major housing areas and developments is something the Department of Regional Development should have at the top of its agenda,” suggested Councillor Walker.

“We simply cannot allow young drivers to drive recklessly at speed through housing areas. Those responsible could end up seriously injuring themselves or someone else. We must not allow that to happen.”

Councillor Walker said the concerns of Old Mill residents must be addressed by roads officials and he has asked the PSNI to keep an eye on young drivers whom he claimed are “clearly breaking the law.”

He added: “We need to address this problem not just in Killyleagh, but in other parts of the district. Road safety must be paramount in all our housing areas. While the focus of road safety campaigns focuses on speed along main roads, we need to shine the spotlight on those putting the lives of children in our housing estates at risk.

“Roads officials and the PSNI need to do what they can to ensure young drivers are not allowed to 

use housing estates as race tracks. This is an issue which must be dealt with swiftly.”