Anger over congestion problems in Strangford

Anger over congestion problems in Strangford

28 June 2017

A LEADING government department has rejected allegations that it is failing to tackle a congestion issue in the heart of Strangford.

Vehicles queueing to board the Strangford ferry can lead to major tailbacks in the centre of the village with the problem particularly last weekend, with cars queued as far back as St Joseph’s Primary School at the Downpatrick Road. There was a smaller tailback along the Shore Road in the village.

Councillor Cadogan Enright has claimed undertakings given by Transport NI to the Strangford Community Association that the congestion issue would be addressed have not materialised.

He suggested roads officials often fail to have enough staff at weekends to ensure that a dedicated queuing area located at the side of the ferry terminal at Stella Maris Street is used to prevent cars backing up in the centre of the village.

“There was also a failure to ensure the Shore Road junction was not blocked with queueing vehicles and that the Translink bus stop was not impeded,” said councillor Enright, suggesting if the two ferries had been operational, this could have reduced the level of congestion.

“Transport NI has also failed to consult with community representatives about what weekends both the MV Strangford II and MV Portaferry II ferries should be operational. Aside from the needs of Strangford residents, vehicles left to queue up does not help the ferry service and its customers,” he continued.

A number of people who took to social media at the height of the congestion agreed with councillor Enright’s assertions. One woman asked why the dedicated queueing area for ferry traffic is never used, while another described the congestion issue as a ”joke,” claiming Strangford’s needs are well down Transport NI’s list of priorities.

Another suggested the Downpatrick Electoral Area Forum should help address the congestion issue by arranging a meeting with Transport NI officials to make them aware of the views and concerns of the people of Strangford.

A spokesman for the Department for Infrastructure said following a meeting with community representatives, measures to keep junctions in Strangford clear of ferry traffic and encourage better use of the queuing lanes at the ferry slipway were implemented.

“High volumes of traffic were anticipated last Saturday because of a Camogie Blitz in Portavogie and the Sails and Sounds Festival. Additional staff were drafted in to assist with traffic management and fares collection. However, traffic built up earlier than expected and there was a short period of congestion in Strangford,” she added.