Safety fears spark calls for speed limit in village

Safety fears spark calls for speed limit in village

30 November 2011 - by DAVID TELFORD

RESIDENTS at the Ballynoe area outside Downpatrick have this week urged roads officials to address major concerns about speeding in the area.

They fear someone is going to be killed or seriously injured by the increasing number of vehicles travelling at speed along the road close to housing and Bright Community Centre.

Residents say there has been a “noticeable increase” in the speed of vehicles passing through Ballynoe where there have been a number of accidents in recent years. They say the speeding problem is particularly bad just before 8am, in the afternoons and after teatime.

Concerned residents have joined forces with Downpatrick councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe to call on the Roads Service to meet with them to discuss introducing measures to slow the speed of traffic.

Their suggestions include the provision of 30mph speed signs either side of the community centre and signs warning drivers there are children in the area. Residents have also suggested “slow” signs should be painted on the main road which runs through the village, currently governed by a 60mph speed limit.

Mr. Dickie McGrath said given the number of young people who use the community centre it is essential measures to slow the speed of cars are implemented right away.

“The speed of cars passing our homes is on the increase. No one slows down despite the fact they’re passing housing and a community centre. We need something done before there is a tragedy,” he declared.

“The Ballynoe Road has become a race track and I fear for the young people crossing this busy road as they go to and from the community centre.”

Mr. Damian Sharvin said “kids wouldn’t have a chance” if struck by a vehicle at the Ballynoe Road given the speeds people drive at. He described the speed of some cars flying past his home as “unreal.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe, who regularly walks in the Ballynoe area, said pedestrians are literally “taking their lives in their hands” if they venture outside on foot.

“Speeding has been a problem here for several years, but the residents inform me it’s getting worse. There’s not one sign to warn drivers they are approaching a community centre which is unforgivable.

“We need a site meeting with the Roads Service to sort this out once and for all. The longer nothing is done to slow speeds, the greater the potential for something terrible to happen. That’s something no one wants.”

A Roads Service spokeswoman said the organisation has not received a request for any traffic management measures in the Ballynoe area.

However, she said the Roads Service is willing to meet residents or elected representatives to discuss local road safety issues and if they contact the Traffic Section at Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick such a meeting can be arranged.