Council makes call to Roads Service over proposal

THE proposal to increase the speed limit at Scarva Road came under the spotlight again at Banbridge District Council last week when it was decided to request a meeting with Roads Service to discuss the matter.

Councillor Jim McElroy first raised the subject, maintaining the proposal to increase the speed limit from 30mph to 40mph was “very dangerous” for residents living in the area.

He proposed the council write another letter objecting to the increased speed limit and he was seconded by Councillor Joan Baird who said the increase was inappropriate in a built-up area “where children go out kicking football”.

However, not all councillors were in agreement and Councillor John Hanna queried the wisdom of writing a second letter when Roads Service had already been made aware of the council’s views.

“Why do we need to write two letters?” asked Mr Hanna. “This was already discussed and we need to be aware that unrealistic speed limits are not adhered to by motorists and can become ineffective. Speed limits should be appropriate for the road conditions for which they are intended and it is my view that the roundabout is the biggest hazard on this stretch of road.”

But Councillor Junior McCrum said it was “ridiculous” to increase the speed limit to 40mph on a road close to an industrial estate and with a large number of residential houses nearby, while Councillor Frank McQuaid queried whether speed ramps could be erected.

Council chief executive, Mr Liam Hannaway, said he was not aware of any traffic restrictions proposed for the area, but he said the council could write again to Roads Service, highlighting the fact that councillors had received more feedback and requesting a meeting which would be “useful” if it was intended to press ahead with the proposal to increase the speed limit at Scarva Road.

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