Ban on right turn at Larne ramp to be made permanent

The junction at Circular Road and the Harbour Highway – known locally at the ramp – has long been a source of frustration for many motorists and has been branded the most dangerous junction in the borough by local councillors.

Earlier this year, in response to a number of concerns regarding safety at the junction, the Department for Regional Development introduced a ban on vehicles turning right at the junction for a trial period

In a letter addressed to Larne Borough Council, Transport NI said traffic surveys had shown that the ban has “not had a negative impact on motorists or impacted significantly on other junctions”.

It added: “We have received positive comments from local councillors, driving instructors, the general public and the PSNI since we introduced the experimental scheme.

“Making this permanent will reduce the number of collisions at this junction significantly, as there will no longer be any conflicting movements or hesitation from motorists when traversing/travelling on this busy dual carriageway.”

At the latest meeting of the council’s public service’s committee, elected representatives indicated their support for the proposal to make the ban permanent.