Darragh Cross speeding concern

Darragh Cross speeding concern

16 September 2020

CALLS have been issued for a speed indicator sign to be located on the approach to Darragh Cross to address speeding concerns in the heart of the village.

Roads officials have agreed to increase the size of speed limit signs on the main approach roads and enhance so-called rumble strips on the road designed to encourage drivers to reduce their speed.

Last week, Strangford MP Jim Shannon and Rowallane councillor Kathryn Owen visited the village at the request of residents and were joined by an official from the Department of Infrastructure (DfI).

Residents have been highlighting concern about the speed of vehicles through the village and close to St Caolan’s Primary School for a number of years.

Cllr Owen, whose childhood home is close to Darragh Cross, said both she and Mr Shannon fully understand the challenges faced by the straight road through the village. 

“Darragh Cross is an expanding village and it is heartwarming that many want to move into this hamlet,” she continued.

“The DfI representative was able to confirm that numerous speeding tests have been conducted with the average motorist travelling at 38mph. That’s said, the MP and I believe that it only takes one driver to cause a severe accident and have pushed the government department to see what else can be done.”

She confirmed that roads officials have agreed to make the speed restriction signs entering the village larger and to lay more prominent rumble strips along the main road.

“The hope is that this will make the speed restriction more prominent, with roads officials promising that hedgerows will be pruned back more often,” continued Cllr Owen.

The Rowallane politician said both she and Mr Shannon will asking the PSNI to carry out more speed checks in the village and will also lobby the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership to provide a speed restriction sign in the village, reassuring residents that they will do all they can to help.