Roads Service shelves traffic calming plans at Plantation Road

The controversial scheme had divided residents, with some in favour of the proposals. However, there were serious objections from others in the area and a petition was also raised opposing the plan.

Following the public consultation, Roads Service decided not to go ahead with the traffic calming measures.

In a letter to Alderman Paul Porter, Roads Service confirmed: “Following the conclusion of the consultation period and after carefully considering the large number of representations made to us during that time (most of which opposed the scheme) we have now decided not to proceed with a traffic calming scheme along Plantation Road.

“While I appreciate that some local residents supported the scheme, in coming to our decision we have taken account of the level of community opposition that has been expressed.”

Speaking after receiving the correspondence Mr Porter said: “It is imperative that before such schemes are introduced in an area such as Plantation, that local residents have their say.

“I would call upon the Roads Service to allocate the planned resources for the traffic calming measures to be spent on the entrance to Plantation Road so that the real traffic issues there can be addressed and residents can exit safely on to the Saintfield Road.”

Lagan Valley MLA Edwin Poots added: “We have had meetings with the Roads Service and local residents concerning the traffic problems in Plantation. We trust that some of the measures that were outlined by ourselves and local residents at the meeting will be taken on board by the Roads Service which will make exiting for local residents from the Plantation Road at peak times in the mornings and evenings much safer.”

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