Clampdown on speeding

Clampdown on speeding

8 July 2020

A MAJOR new offensive is being waged on drivers who break the law at a number of the district’s speeding hot spots.

Speed indicator signs which inform drivers about their speed are to be erected in Downpatrick, Newcastle, Killyleagh and Castlewellan by the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

The signs are to be erected at the Strangford Road in Downpatrick, Newcastle’s South Promenade, Castlewellan’s Dublin Road and the Shrigley Road in Killyleagh.

A total of seven signs will be erected shortly across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area as part of the major clampdown on speeders.

The move has been welcomed by a number of local councillors including Dermot Curran, Willie Clarke, Billy Walker, Gareth Sharvin and John Trainor who say that the new signs have the potential to save lives by encouraging drivers to slow down in what are heavily populated areas.

Cllr Curran said that drivers regularly ignored the 40mph zone along a large stretch of the Strangford Road.

“This area is densely populated and there are always people walking at this part of the town. A number of accidents at this location have been blamed on speeding, with residents highlighting their concerns about the issue for some considerable time,” he continued.

“There is a clear and obvious need for the authorities to get to grips with the speeding problem and the PCSP deserves praise for this initiative.  Unfortunately, many drivers think a large part of the Strangford Road is governed by a 60mph limit which is not  case. Residents I have spoken to about the problem say the speed of some vehicles is frightening to say the least.”

Cllr Curran said that were many housing developments accessed via the Strangford Road which carries a high volume of pedestrian traffic. 

He added: “While welcoming the speed indicator sign, I believe there is a need to move the 30mph limit back beyond the former Down Council headquarters. Speeders need to slow down before someone is killed.”

Cllr Sharvin believes one of the real benefits of the announcement is that it has “kick-started and energised” a conversation among the public about other hot spots for speeding. 

He added: “I recognise that these signs are an expensive investment but, ultimately, the success of them will be measured in how the public respond to them. If we can begin to see speeds lowered across the district and lives potentially saved, the scheme will have been a success.”

Cllr Trainor said he hopes the new signs will raise further awareness in drivers’ minds on the need to reduce their speed along these stretches of road.  

He added: “We know that the Strangford Road is a hotspot for speeding traffic and the dangers associated with this. If the new signs reduce speed and help save lives they will be worthwhile, but but road safety is everyone’s concern.”

Cllr Clarke said he is “delighted” that one of the new signs will be placed at Newcastle’s South Promenade which carries a huge volume of traffic.

He said news of the speed indicator sign will be welcomed be residents who live at this part of the resort and the many pedestrians who walk in the area will be encouraged by the initiative.

“I hope that the sign will go some way towards tackling the issue of speeding at this busy part of Newcastle,” he said.

“This is a welcome move and something that Sinn Féin has been lobbying for over many years to protect residents who live at this part of the resort. The speed sign will also hopefully make South Promenade safer for pedestrians.”

Cllr Clarke said the PCSP is committed to improving road safety across the district and will continue to work with local communities and local police to make this happen.

The Mournes councillor also welcomed the provision of a speed sign at the Dublin Road in Castlewellan which is a main link to a number of towns and villages and carries a high volume of traffic.

Welcoming the presence of a new speed sign at the Shrigley Road in Killyleagh, Cllr Walker said that he hopes drivers get the message and slow down.

“Many people walk along this particular road and it is vital that everything is done to keep them safe. I hope that thew new sign will act as a deterrent and drivers will ease off the accelerator,” he continued.

He added: “The PCSP deserves credit for listening to the concerns of elected representatives and the wider public on the speeding issue. The message must go out that speeders are placing their lives and those of other road users in danger. My appeal to all drivers is to obey the restrictions in place and drive below the permitted level in built-up areas.”