Speeders targeted in Waterside

Following a prolonged campaign by residents, the PSNI have today begun monitoring traffic on Glenshane Road by means of speed cameras.
The PSNI conduct traffic calming measures at Glenshane Road. INLS1515-189KMThe PSNI conduct traffic calming measures at Glenshane Road. INLS1515-189KM
The PSNI conduct traffic calming measures at Glenshane Road. INLS1515-189KM

Police have designated the Daly’s Brae/Glenshane Road area a ‘Community Concern Site’ due to public concern about excessive speed by motorists entering and leaving the city along this arterial route.

The move has been given a cautious welcome by action group spokesman Peter McCafferty, who has renewed his appeal for permanent measures to slow traffic along the road from Altnagelvin to Drumahoe, including a 40mph speed limit.

“The only thing that will stop speeders is a camera being installed permanently. The conscientious driver will respect other motorists but there are a number of drivers who will continue to flog their cars up that hill ignoring traffic signs, no matter how large they are,” he said.

Inspector Declan McGrath, Local Neighbourhood Policing, chats to a PSNI Traffic Branch officer at Glenshane Road. INLS1515-190KMInspector Declan McGrath, Local Neighbourhood Policing, chats to a PSNI Traffic Branch officer at Glenshane Road. INLS1515-190KM
Inspector Declan McGrath, Local Neighbourhood Policing, chats to a PSNI Traffic Branch officer at Glenshane Road. INLS1515-190KM

“What we don’t want is a temporary speed trap or quick fix measures. We will see what happens now.”

Announcing the scheme, Inspector Declan McGrath said: “The stretch of road up to Atlnagelvin roundabout is a busy one. It carries a high volume of traffic and, despite it being within a restricted speed zone, there have been numerous complaints from the residents of Daly’s Brae regarding the high speed of vehicles.

“The designation means we can deploy mobile speed cameras in the area and this will be part of a proactive approach by police. As well as camera vans, neighbourhood and response police, our colleagues from the Road Policing Unit will be paying particular attention to this stretch of road.

“Road safety is one of our priorities in the city and throughout Northern Ireland to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured in traffic collisions. Our aim is to positively influence road users through education and increased patrols - as well as targeting those who don’t adhere to road safety regulations.”

The launch of the Community Concern Site also coincides with a Europe-wide speed enforcement campaign, which runs until Sunday, April 19.

Police here, in common with their counterparts throughout Europe, will be prioritising speed prevention and detection.

Among the many actions undertaken by residents living off Glenshane Road, was a petition signed by residents from Daly’s Brae and Grovemount Park areas who called for action against those ignoring the 30mph speed limit governing the Daly’s Brae junction.