Speeding concerns on busy main road

Speeding concerns on busy main road

30 April 2025

AN urgent appeal has been issued to police and a leading government department to address a major speeding issue at one of the district’s most busiest roads.

The PSNI and Department for Infrastructure have been asked to put the brakes in speeders at the Castlewellan Road outside Newcastle.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Mournes councillor Laura Devlin say residents are deeply concerned about the road safety issue and claim some drivers are travelling in excess of 100mph at an area known locally as the Cup and Saucer.

Mr McGrath said it is “deeply regrettable” that residents feel the speed on this road can reach such heights with the loud noise generated by car engines heard over a wide area.

“The noise is keeping some residents up at night and there are concerns that drivers are racing each other. This is incredibly worrying for those living in the area, particularly those with young families,” he said.

“We know that speed can kill and one life lost is one too many.”

Mr McGrath said while he understands it has taken some time to address this situation, he wants to assure the public that the issue is being taken seriously by the SDLP and his party will continue to raise it with the authorities.

He added: “We know residents often felt uncomfortable when using this road given the speed of traffic.

“However, we want them to feel safe in the knowledge that we are doing all that we can for them and will continue to do so. Nobody should have to feel endangered when making use of our roads.”

Cllr Devlin, who lives just off the busy road, said after being contacted by several residents, renewed representations were made to police and the DfI on the matter.

She added: “I want to see visible policing on this road along with regular speed checks. We want the Castlewellan Road to be a safe place for both pedestrians and other road users.”