Residents face uphill battle to get pedestrian crossings

LISBURN Councillor Paul Givan has expressed concern about the uphill battle faced by local residents who want pedestrian crossings installed on busy roads in the city.

Speaking at a recent meeting of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee, Mr Givan said that it was very difficult for residents to get approval for pedestrian crossings and asked the council to write to the Minister for Regional Development urging him to introduce a level of flexibility in the criteria used for such schemes.

“I have been involved with a number of requests for pedestrian crossings and more and more it seems the criteria isn’t being met,” said Mr Givan.

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“I have had a meeting with the Roads Service at Queensway and indications are that the criteria isn’t being met there. It is the same on the Moss Road and on the North Feeder Road.

“Consistently concerns are raised by local people about dangerous roads and these are being turned down.”

Mr Givan admits there have been some successful campaigns but is adamant that more flexibility in the criteria is needed.

“We had a success at Pond Park Primary School,” continued Mr Givan. “However, we should be asking the Minister what consideration is given to requests for pedestrian crossings and whether there is scope for more flexibility to be used in the criteria.”

Mr Givan’s proposal to write to the Minister was seconded by Alderman Paul Porter, who said: “I think this is a very serious issue and it needs to be dealt with quickly.”