Concerns over speed at Plantation Road

Measures are needed to stop drivers speeding on Plantation Road, Gilford, particularly in the vicinity of Bleary village.

Upper Bann Assembly candidate Cllr Jonathan Buckley said, “I have been notified by local residents living on the Plantation Road about the high level of excessive speeding that is taking place on this road.

“There is also a high volume of traffic that travels on the Plantation Road, including many heavy goods vehicles.

“I ultimately believe that such speeding has detrimentally impacted road safety in this area. If action is not taken I fear that the potential for road traffic collisions to occur will only increase and this is something I nor anyone else wants to see happening.”

Cllr Buckley continued: “Bleary crossroads is an area which experiences much traffic and I am concerned that vehicles which travel along at high speed up to this part of the road could contribute to the risk of a collision. Consideration must now be given to implementing traffic calming measures in this area.

“I intend to liaise with TransportNI in an effort to see what traffic measures could possibly be introduced.

“I would also urge all road users to drive with care in an effort to prevent the potential for accidents to take place for their own safety and that of other road users and pedestrians.”

Responding to Councillor Buckley’s comments, a Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “Plantation Road is subject to the national speed limit and as such traffic calming measures are not permitted.

“TransportNI has commenced work to increase the size of the existing warning signs on the road and relocate them slightly to increase visibility, as well as providing SLOW markings on the carriageway adjacent to them.”

The spokesperson stressed that any concerns regarding excessive speeding or inappropriate driving behaviour should be reported to PSNI.