Call for a rethinkon traffic island

The traffic island on the Tullygally Road forces traffic to give-way to on-coming vehicles before continuing along the road.

There have been a number of accidents and near misses on the road since it was put in place.

Councillor Mairead O'Dowd has urged the Roads Service to consider other safety options for the road.

Parents collecting children from Brownlow College have said there is a real need for safety on the road - but have mixed views on the island.

Eddie O'Brien has two children at the school, he said: "It's a very good idea, especially with the school so close by.

"When the school gets out there are children trying to cross the road in between cars and there could be an accident and anything that slows the traffic down is good.

"A parking area for parents collecting their children would be a good idea as well.

"Before the island was put in cars would have flew down the road, some would have it over 60 or 70mph, it was a nightmare.

"There have been accidents at night, but most likely those that hit the island are probably going too fast."

Denise Owens has one child at the school she said: "I think the layout is a complete disaster.

"I don't think there was any thought put into it, people race up to it and tear off when they get through.

"There should be a pedestrian crossing or something better put in place."

Councillor Mairead O’Dowd raised concerns with the Road Services about the number of accidents and near misses.

The councillor said Sinn Fein had received a number of complaints from residents about the poor visibility of the island, particularly at night.

She said they had also received complaints about the inaccessibility of the road during the morning and afternoon when parents leave or collect their children.

She said: "There is no question about the need for traffic safety measures at this location as a means of ensuring the safety of the students attending Brownlow Integrated College.

"However, the concerns that have been raised over the collisions at the traffic island would suggest that this is not the best possible method of ensuring safety at this particular location.

"It is for this reason that I ask Roads Service to review the measures they have implemented here with a view to ensuring safety for all road users, pedestrians and motorists alike.”

A spokeswoman for the Roads Service said: "The build-out in question was provided over a year ago together with speed ramps and central islands as part of the Enhanced Safer Routes to School scheme.

"The aim of the scheme is to lower vehicle speeds to improve safety for school children in the area making it easier for them to walk and cycle to school. Surveys have shown that average speeds have been reduced by over 17mph.

"Signs were erected as part of the scheme to warn of the need to 'Give Way ahead' and to 'Give Way to oncoming vehicles'. Enhanced road markings were also provided.

"The build-out contained an illuminated 'Keep Right' bollard and other bollards with reflective coverings. These features are all contained within a street-lit area."