ROADS officials have been asked to conduct a major review of traffic light sequencing in Downpatrick town centre.
The call comes in the wake of increasing concern about problems in a number of areas which is leaving residents and pedestrians frustrated.
The call for the review of the traffic lights timing has been issued by South Down MLA Colin McGrath who revealed that he has received what he described as “multiple reports” from people on the issue.
The MLA said some have raised concern about the lights operating out of sequence, explaining that this can be “incredibly frustrating” for pedestrians and road users.
Confirming that he has raised the issue with roads officials, Mr McGrath said he wants the exercise to focus on where problems have arisen.
“It is unfortunate to see this particular element of our roads network fall short of the standard which we have come to expect,” said Mr McGrath. “It is essential that when the review is carried out that any necessary works are completed as soon as possible.
“There is a great deal of frustration in the Downpatrick area due to the delay in completing the necessary regeneration works at Irish Street, a project which has still not reached its conclusion.”
Mr McGrath argued that this level of frustration “compounds and unfortunately results in drivers and pedestrians taking chances at crossings and lights”.
He added: “Unless the various statutory bodies are willing to work together to ensure these issues are dealt with, then we are only going to rumble from issue to issue without seeing adequate road provision provided for the thriving community hub that is Downpatrick.
“The people in the community want these issues addressed and have made that very clear to me.”