Officials to survey number of lay-bys

Officials to survey number of lay-bys

29 November 2023

ROADS officials are to examine the number of parking lay-bys in the Saul Street area in Downpatrick in the wake of concerns about the impact of increased traffic in the area.

News of the survey to examine the potential to widen them comes after local councillor, Conor Galbraith, raised residents’ concerns with the Department of Infrastructure.

He said concern is growing about the lack of lay-bys which allow vehicles to pull in to pass each other safely at certain points, especially where the road is narrow.

“There is a concern that with the increase in traffic here over the past number of years, this has resulted in more cars and buses travelling along this route,” Cllr Galbraith explained.

“Part of Saul Street can be quite narrow and this has resulted in cars being damaged as there is not enough room for other cars and buses to pass safely.”

Cllr Galbraith has welcomed the promised review of lay-bys by roads officials which will examine the potential for widening existing ones to people can park their car without fear of it being damaged by passing vehicles.

“In future, we will only see more traffic on this road. That is why it’s essential we are as prepared as possible for this,” he said.

“I will continue to liaise with our residents, with Translink and DfI to ensure we see the best solution here for everyone. If we can get this right, it will only benefit everyone in the long term.”