Reduction in speed limit proposed for Belfast Road

The plan, which applies to a 0.9km stretch from Quay Lane towards Carrickfergus, was outlined in a letter to Carrickfergus Borough Council from Transportni (formerly known as Roads Service).

“The speed limit starts 30 metres east of the Belfast Road’s junction with Quay Lane (Whitehead side of junction) and ends 860 metres south-west of its junction with Quay Lane (Carrickfergus side of Jack Reid Cars),” a spokesperson for Transportni said.

The route has been at the centre of a ongoing campaign in recent years, according to Councillor Isobel Day, who is also a member of Carrick’s Road Safety Committee.

Speaking to the TIMES after the October meeting of the local authority, Councillor Day said: “We have been requesting this reduction for the past five years, so I am glad to hear that Transportni is expediting this decision.”

The proposed change comes as a response to an “increase in roadside development” along the route, the transport authority said.

“Following recent traffic counts that were carried out in the area, Transportni is of the opinion that introducing a 40mph speed limit will improve the overall safety for both pedestrians and vehicles wanting to access and egress the various entrances along this stretch of road,” the letter added.

Members of the local authority were invited to submit their comments on the proposals to Transportni.

The issue of speed restrictions on the upgraded Belfast Road were also raised at the monthly meeting by Alderman Jim Brown.

The independent representative said: “The roadworks along the A2 Belfast Road will be completed in 2015; we need to clarify what speed systems will ne in place.”