Traffic accident prompts road review

Traffic accident prompts road review

1 March 2017

ANOTHER accident at the busy main road which links Downpatrick with Strangford has prompted Stormont Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to order a traffic review.

He said the road has “become notorious for high speed and unfortunately too many collisions,” explaining that over recent times, he has become very aware of concerns relating to the speed issue.

Mr Hazzard said the increase in the number of collisions has prompted people not to walk along the Strangford Road.

He said the survey which will be conducted by his department will not only assess current traffic patterns, but examine what additional engineering and enforcement solutions could be deployed to improve road safety in the months ahead. 

“This review will also look at traffic issues, including speeding closer to Downpatrick, with a particular focus on the increasing number of children living in the nearby housing developments such as The Meadows,” said Mr Hazzard.

“As significant as this traffic review will be, it is important to remember that Government officials cannot be in the car, around every bend. Drivers must exercise patience and drive responsibly. There is absolutely no excuse for some of the dangerous driving we have seen on the Strangford Road in recent years.”