Ombudsman looks into traffic survey complaint

Ombudsman looks into traffic survey complaint

11 September 2013

THE Ombudsman is investigating a formal complaint about how the Roads Service consulted the public about introducing a one-way system at one of Downpatrick’s most heavily congested streets.

The complaint was lodged by Councillor Cadogan Enright following a Roads Service poll on implementing a one-way system at Edward Street.

The Downpatrick councillor claimed the consultation was “one sided” as only those opposed to the scheme were asked to respond. The Roads Service has described the exercise as “informal.”

Councillor Enright said the Ombudsman’s decision to investigate his complaint will now require the Roads Service to produce all the files on the subject so they can be examined.

His complaint was sparked earlier this year amidst increasing concern for the safety of children attending Our Lady and St. Patrick’s Primary School in Edward Street.

There have been a number of near misses involving children on their way to and from school with parents, school staff and residents in the area concerned at the increasing gridlock at this part of the town.

Councillor Enright, whose son attends the nearby Our Lady and St. Patrick Primary School, maintains the failure of Roads Service to consult properly on the one-way system has impacted on the safety of 600 children accessing the school and local residents.

He said this risk has been identified to Roads Service by the principal of the school.

In his letter, Councillor Enright also claimed the Roads Service refused to accept any letters of support for the scheme as part of their consultation.

He said roads officials informed residents and elected representatives that making the one way system permanent was a “formality,” given its outstanding success when introduced on a temporary basis to allow work on a resurfacing scheme.

Councillor Enright said while the Roads Service initially stood over its consultation, it subsequently admitted that the exercise was only conducted on an informal basis. He argued this was “clearly inadequate” in supporting a decision to alter traffic management close to a primary school.