Protect pupils by providing safety crossing on busy road

Protect pupils by providing safety crossing on busy road

26 November 2014

A LOCAL councillor has called on transport officials to consider creating a pedestrian crossing at Edward Street in Downpatrick.

Councillor Naomi Bailie has asked Transport NI to assess the potential for the traffic light controlled crossing by carrying out a pedestrian and traffic assessment of the area.

She said traffic management was an issue of great concern in the street and there was regular gridlock due partly to the creation of the civic hub at the Downshire estate and the amalgamation of two primary schools.

She said parents were greatly concerned about child safety as a result.

“The problems at the site are well documented, but little appears to be being done to address them,” she said.

“It seems Transport NI is content to await the introduction of a one-way system in Downpatrick, which it hopes will alleviate pressure at this part of the town.”

Miss Bailie said the development of a one-way system was being held up by the PSNI, which she claimed was reluctant to give roads officials access to its Irish Street site to ascertain the viability of a new through flow system.

“This is unacceptable and I will be arranging to meet with senior PSNI officials in the coming days to address this issue,” she said.

“In the meantime, children using facilities at Edward Street, whether they be schools or play parks, are at an increased risk due to the dangerous road layout and heavy traffic.

“I am now calling on officials to install a puffin crossing on the stretch of road, so that children, parents and residents can cross the road safely during busy periods of the day.

“To do so at the minute is extremely dangerous and this issue must be addressed before someone is seriously hurt.”