Minister is urged to intervene in dispute over traffic chaos

Minister is urged to intervene in dispute over traffic chaos

3 October 2012

CONCERNS about increasing traffic congestion at the Edward Street area in Downpatrick have been raised with Stormont roads minister Danny Kennedy.

South Down Assemblyman Chris Hazzard raised the issue with Mr. Kennedy as pressure mounts for the introduction of a one-way traffic system in the area.

Mr. Hazzard said congestion in Edward Street is so bad that traffic can grind to a halt, particularly during the early morning and mid-afternoon with children making their way to and from the primary school.

Down Council opened its new administrative base at the Downshire Hospital campus on Monday, with the South Down MLA suggesting this will increase the volume of traffic using Edward Street.

Mr. Hazzard continued: “The congestion issue needs to be resolved by the Roads Service. Last year when a temporary one-way traffic system was introduced at this part of the town it relieved a number of problems in the area.

“I believe a permanent one-way system would help resolve current traffic difficulties at Edward Street and have asked the Minister for an indication as to the future plans for the area.”

Mr. Hazzard said he will continue to lobby Mr. Kennedy and the Roads Service for what he described as a “prompt solution” to the problems in Edward Street.

He added: “I am aware the Roads Service intends to carry out a traffic survey at Edward Street in the near future and will be asking Mr. Kennedy for this to happen in conjunction with the introduction of a pilot one-way system.”

A number of signs warning drivers using Edward Street that they are approaching a primary school are to be erected. The signs were removed last year to allow work on a resurfacing scheme.

Councillor Cadogan Enright met PSNI traffic officers outside the school last week to discuss how the congestion issue can be addressed. He said during the meeting a PSNI officer contacted the Roads Service to have the “school warning” signs erected.

The local councillor said the Fire Service has confirmed to him its support for the introduction of a one-way system in Edward Street. The Ambulance Service, Down Council and Translink also support a one-way system at this part of the town.