999 service joins campaign for a one-way system

999 service joins campaign for a one-way system

4 July 2012 - by David Telford

ANOTHER major public body has weighed in with its support for a permanent one-way traffic system at Edward Street in Downpatrick.

A week after Translink added its voice to the growing clamour for an end to two-way traffic which is viewed as dangerous to pupils at Our Lady and St. Patrick Primary School, the Ambulance Service has now backed calls for a permanent one-way system.

The organisation’s area manager has confirmed that Edward Street congestion leads to “significant response difficulties” and can often result in what he described as “driver conflict.”

In a letter to Downpatrick councillor Cadogan Enright, Mr. John Wright said he has discussed the impact of Edward Street becoming one-way with ambulance crews based in the town.

And the senior official confirmed local paramedics would be “relived and pleased” if a permanent one-way system was provided.

Mr. Wright said the Ambulance Service would share Translink’s view that a one-way system should operate heading towards Downpatrick town centre. He explained this would facilitate a rapid response for ambulance crews attending emergency calls.

Councillor Enright said it is “highly significant” that both Translink and the Ambulance Service have raised concerns about congestion problems in Edward Street and are backing calls for a permanent one-way traffic system at this part of Downpatrick.

He said there are major road safety problems at this part of the town which have to be addressed, explaining residents, parents and teachers at the local primary school support the provision of a new one-way system.

Councillor Enright said a temporary one-way system introduced at Edward Street last year was a “tremendous success,” with several hundred people signing a petition calling for permanent one-way traffic flow at this part of the town.

The Downpatrick councillor said he hopes the congestion issue will be resolved before the start of the new school term this September.