Call for 30mph speed limit in Clanvaraghan

Call for 30mph speed limit in Clanvaraghan

28 August 2019

A CALL to reduce the speed limit in Clanvaraghan to 30mph has been made by South Down MP Chris Hazzard.

Mr Hazzard has asked the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) Roads to reduce the speed limit in Clanvaraghan following concerns that traffic is presenting an increasingly dangerous problem for a growing population. 

Following a door to door community survey with Slieve Croob councillor Roisin Howell and Emma Rogan MLA, Mr Hazzard said the issue needed to be addressed.

He stressed that a child hit by a car travelling at 40mph had just a 10% chance of surviving whereas survival increased significantly to 80% if the speed was at 30mph.

“Make no mistake about it, this is absolutely a life or death issue,” he said.

“Speaking to residents in the village, it’s clear that patience is coming to an end and local families want to see DFI Roads take the appropriate action by lowering the speed limit from the existing 40mph to 30mph.”

He explained that Clanvaraghan had experienced a significant growth in its population in recent years and the addition of a large new housing development, meant there are now more young families living in the village.

He said: “We believe the case for reducing the speed limit in Clanvaraghan is very strong — especially when you also bear in mind that all the neighbouring villages of similar size enjoy the additional road safety benefits of 30mph speed limits. “

Ms Rogan said:  “We have launched a new campaign reminding drivers to be aware of their speed whilst travelling through our local rural villages. 

“It only takes a moment to lose concentration on the road, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Please drive with care at all times.”