Plan to ease Newcastle traffic jams

Plan to ease Newcastle traffic jams

15 May 2013

THE Roads Service has launched a consultation on its plans to improve traffic flow at the top of Newcastle’s Main Street.

No parking or unloading will be allowed outside the Donard Hotel between 11am and 7pm from the start of April to the end of August.

Between September and March, cars will be able to park at this part of the resort for one hour.

However, the Roads Service proposal will remove a disabled parking bay from outside the hotel which Newcastle councillors want repositioned immediately nearby.

They want one of three taxi ranks at this part of the resort converted to a disabled bay to meet the needs of people who require such a facility.

The Roads Service says its proposal for the top of Main Street is designed to facilitate two-way traffic flow at a part a part of the resort.

Currently, the presence of parked vehicles outside the Donard Hotel and adjoining shops results in two lanes carrying vehicles approaching from the Dundrum Road direction and the Downs Road merging into a single line which can lead to tailbacks in the area.

Banning parked cars

at this part of Newcastle during the traditionally busy summer was suggested before, but was criticised by a number of business owners. Now the Roads Service is formally consulting about its proposal.

During last Monday’s Bank Holiday, the Roads Service placed a number of traffic cones outside the Donard Hotel and nearby shops in a bid to stop parking, but the move was not successful.

Councillor Willie Clarke said people still parked in the area, suggesting “something more permanent” is required to deter parking at this part of the town.

He also expressed concern about plans to remove an existing disabled parking bay and was supported by councillor Carmel O’Boyle.