‘Flawed’ public probe criticised

‘Flawed’ public probe criticised

23 January 2013

THE Roads Service has been asked to order fresh public consultation on the introduction of a permanent one-way traffic system at Edward Street in Downpatrick.

Local politicians claim a previous exercise on the issue was “flawed” as only those opposed to the introduction of a one-way system were asked to respond.

Councillor Cadogan Enright said fresh consultation is now required given the increasing traffic congestion at this part of the town. He said the emergency services and Translink are backing a permanent one-way system in Edward Street, with all local politicians also favouring its introduction.

Councillor Enright said given the increasing clamour for the one-way system, it’s vital the Roads Service now launches fresh public consultation.

His call coincides with a decision by Down Council to write to the district’s senior roads officials calling for the introduction of a new one-way system at this congested part of Downpatrick.

Councillor Enright said a temporary one-way system introduced in Edward Street last year to allow work on a major resurfacing scheme to be completed was hailed a great success. He said many people now want such a scheme made permanent.

“A senior roads official told Down Council last October that he would be most surprised if the Roads Service only sought objections to a one-way scheme during the previous consultation,” he said.

Councillor Enright said the local authority is to supply roads officials with a copy of their own consultation document “which makes clear that only negative responses were canvassed.”

He continued: “It was not possible under the previous consultation for supporters of a one-way scheme to make their voices heard.”

Councillor Enright also claimed that during a meeting with roads officials after the introduction of the temporary one-way system in Edward Street, it was suggested that the likelihood of the scheme becoming permanent was “only a formality.”

The Downpatrick politician said the Roads Service must now order fresh public consultation on a one-way system being introduced “seeking all views and testing the true feelings towards the scheme.”

“Ambulances are experiencing delays in Edward Street, buses are getting stuck in tailbacks with dozens of vehicles forced to mount the pavement outside a primary school,” declared Councillor Enright.

He added: “Traffic jams tailback as far as Fountain Street which impacts on people wishing to use the Ardmore Avenue junction. The problems at this part of town are also impacting on residents in the Knocknashinna area.

“It is time for fresh consultation on the merits of a one-way scheme in Edward Street which an overwhelming majority of local people support.”