Newcastle traffic issues highlighted by online petition

Newcastle traffic issues highlighted by online petition

25 April 2012

PRESSURE is mounting for the return of two traffic lanes at the top of Main Street in Newcastle.

Almost 80 people have signed an on-line petition urging Stormont roads minister Danny Kennedy to ensure the current road layout at this part of the resort— where three lanes converge into one for a short distance — is scrapped.

The petition has been signed by businessmen, politicians and residents and the man behind the online initiative said as summer approaches, the population in Newcastle doubles which places increasing pressure on the town centre road network.

Mr. Brian Sweeney, who created the petition, said there are problems at the top of Main Street where traffic merges into one lane.

He said two lanes at the Dundrum Road and one from Downs Road merge into a single lane which continues until the end of the Donard Hotel, leading to “needless tailbacks and discouraging local people and visitors from venturing into the town centre.”

The businessman said the on-line petition is calling on Mr. Kennedy to consider the needs of the whole Newcastle community and restore two lane traffic flow at the top of Main Street where traffic merges due to the presence of a number of parking spaces.

“We do not wish to inconvenience local traders or residents and while car parking in Newcastle is less than sufficient, there are two large parks

within a short distance away, one at the Downs Road and the other off the Shimna Road,” he said online.

Mr. Sweeney said he hopes two traffic lanes can be restored at the top of Main Street “without delay and well in advance of the busy summer period.” He said anyone who wishes to sign the online petition can do so by logging on at www.tinyurl.com/cxdnsrj

Newcastle councillor Patrick Clarke, who has signed the petition, said the issue at the top of the town needs to be resolved and hopes objections to a Roads Service scheme to introduce “no parking” in the area will be withdrawn.

He added: “I hope traders and roads officials can agree on a way forward and am very sympathetic to the needs of businesses located in this part of Newcastle.”

Some people who have signed the on-line petition have described the road layout at the top of Main Street as a “joke” while others have labelled it a “silly arrangement.”

A local family who signed the petition said once April arrives they try to avoid driving into Newcastle until the end of September as the traffic “is just ridiculous.” The family also suggested consideration should be given to introducing two-way traffic flow at the town’s Shimna Road.