Aughlisnafin road safety concerns

Aughlisnafin road safety concerns

14 August 2019

SOUTH Down MP Chris Hazzard has asked Department for Infrastructure officials to implement an urgent road safety assessment along the Aughlisnafin Road near Castlewellan.

He has called for a reduction in the speed limit in the area and improved safety signage. 

The Sinn Fein MP was speaking following a number of meetings with staff at nearby St Mary’s Primary School and local parents who are increasingly concerned about the speed of traffic. 

Mr Hazzard said: “I want to thank local parents and staff here at St Mary’s for bringing this situation to my attention.

“Indeed I was shocked to hear some of the stories of near misses and the increasing issue with speeding vehicles, including HGVs, along the Aughlisnafin Road. 

“It is crazy to think that the national speed limit should apply to this 100-yard stretch of road in particular considering it has a community hall, church, graveyard and primary school all side by side.”

He added: “I have asked DFI Roads to reduce the speed limit urgently at this location and install increased speed awareness signage to warn drivers that they are approaching an area with children at play and elderly residents crossing the road. 

Mr Hazzard was accompanied by local councillor Róisín Howell, who said: “During this period of investigation by DFI Roads we would appeal to drivers to drive with care along the Aughlisnafin Road and indeed in general throughout the Slieve Croob area.”