Call for toll road to address traffic problems

Speaking during a presentation by Roads Service at the council’s Planning Committee meeting this week, Alderman Dillon said it appeared the only way the Knockmore Link - which would connect the North Feeder Road to Sprucefield - would finally be built would be to make it a toll road.

The issue was raised when Councillor John Palmer asked whether work on the Link could be merged with the scheme for the M1/A1 Link at Sprucefield, which subject to funding, is estimated to be completed between 2014 and 2018.

John Irvine, Divisional Roads Manager for the Eastern Division replied that the schemes couldn’t be merged, with the Knockmore Link seen as a “developer-led” scheme.

“If it is brought forward by a developer we can look at it and see if, economically, we can do something,” Mr Irvine said.

But Mr Dillon commented: “I very much doubt we will have this for 10 years. I would have thought the Department, if possible, would have done something. Make it a toll road, I’m sure motorists wouldn’t mind.”

The former Mayor added: “A toll road is the only way to have that road in the next 20 years. I have used toll roads in America, in Europe. I was in the Republic of Ireland last week using the ring road in Dublin. On the M9 to Limerick it cost me one Euro 80 Cents, which is about £1.50 and I came back from Galway on the N7 which was another 1.80 and it cut out all the traffic problems.”

Mr Dillon said he wanted to see Lisburn moving forward but the current situation was having an impact on local businesses, including haulage companies at Lissue and Coca Cola, as well as local residents.

“Lorries are going up the Culcavy Road and the roads aren’t built for them, they can’t get past; the residents aren’t happy. I was at Coca Cola ten days ago and their drivers, Mulgrew’s, are having the same problem. A link road here would unlock the whole traffic problem in Lisburn.

“I would be all for having a toll road,” he added. “If we can get one built for nothing that would be perfect, but we can’t. We have got to face reality, the onus is on us to try to find a solution.”

However, Alderman Paul Porter hit out at the suggestion saying it was “disgraceful.”

Mr Porter commented: “At a time when fuel prices are rising, at a time when costs to the motorists are rising, at a time of recession, Alderman Dillon is asking for an additional cost to motorists. I just hope this was a flippant comment by Alderman Dillon that he feels motorists aren’t paying enough and that he feels motorists should pay to use a road. I believe Lisburn motorists are paying enough.

“I think it’s disgraceful,” Mr Porter continued. “I would just like to advise the Lisburn public that this is Alderman Dillon’s personal view and not the view of Lisburn council.”

* What do you think? Would you be prepared to pay a toll if it cut out congestion? Send your views to [email protected]

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