Traffic calming plea to Minister

Traffic calming plea to Minister

28 July 2021

STORMONT roads minister Nichola Mallon has been urged to provide traffic calming and other safety measures at the Clarkhill Road in Castlewellan. 

The appeal has been issued by Slieve Croob councillors Cathy Mason and Roísín Howell who insist that the minister must take the concerns of residents seriously and act upon them without further delay.

The politicians say that “enough is enough” and it is “absolutely absurd” that the roads minister has yet to address residents’ concerns.

Cllr Mason said that one year after a serious accident there has been no action from the 

Department for Infrastructure “to mitigate the risks posed along this particular stretch of road”.

She continued: “I have been continuously contacted by residents for an update on the issue and time and time again they have been disappointed by the lack of action and watery response from the roads minister.” 

“It is time that Mrs Mallon listened to the real concerns of residents in Castlewellan and conducted an assessment for the introduction of physical traffic calming measures.”

Cllr Mason said given that there are many young families who live in the area and whose children play outside, the “dangerous conditions” cannot be allowed to continue.

She added: “The Clarkhill Road must be safe for residents, pedestrians and other road users.” 

Urging Mrs Mallon to take responsibility for safety issues at the Clarkhill Road, Cllr Howell said no signs or road markings have been put in place to reduce vehicle speeds, something which she described as “extremely disappointing”.

Cllr Howell added: “These measures should have been immediately introduced following the serious accident last year, but the residents have waited long enough.

“There must now be a long term, permanent solution to the problem and the introduction of physical traffic calming infrastructure is the only guaranteed method of reducing speed.”