Traffic schemes welcomed

Local councillors have welcomed a number of traffic calming measures earmarked for a Kinallen primary school and the surrounding area.
Fair Hill Primary School Vice Principal Mary Spratt  and pupils were joined by Geoffrey Dickson (KRCDA Chair), Cllr Olive Mercer and Cllr Paul Rankin in welcoming the news that Roads Service have approved traffic calming measures in Kinallen, also included is Rebecca Williamson and Angela O'Reilly from mother Hubbards Day Nursery  © Edward Byrne Photography INBLFair Hill Primary School Vice Principal Mary Spratt  and pupils were joined by Geoffrey Dickson (KRCDA Chair), Cllr Olive Mercer and Cllr Paul Rankin in welcoming the news that Roads Service have approved traffic calming measures in Kinallen, also included is Rebecca Williamson and Angela O'Reilly from mother Hubbards Day Nursery  © Edward Byrne Photography INBL
Fair Hill Primary School Vice Principal Mary Spratt and pupils were joined by Geoffrey Dickson (KRCDA Chair), Cllr Olive Mercer and Cllr Paul Rankin in welcoming the news that Roads Service have approved traffic calming measures in Kinallen, also included is Rebecca Williamson and Angela O'Reilly from mother Hubbards Day Nursery © Edward Byrne Photography INBL

Under the Safer Routes to School scheme, the Roads Service has announced that it is to install a set of flashing warning lights at Fairhill Primary School then hold a consultation for other traffic calming measures.

For ten years, the local community have been lobbying councillors to try and find ways of slowing down traffic near the rural school.

Councillor Olive Mercer, said that the scheme could not come soon enough.

“Kinallen Rural Community Development Association, Fairhill Primary and nearby nurseries, staff, parents and children have had an ongoing concern for several years regarding the safety of all road users in the vicinity,” she said.

“They are now delighted to welcome the news that the area has been given a high priority by Roads Service, Safer Routes to School Programme.

“The lights will operate at specific times during the school day will help to alert vehicle drivers and pedestrians that children and associated traffic are accessing or leaving the school estate.

“This innovative system will provide an increased level of road safety awareness for all.

“After consultation with residents living near the school, Roads Service plans to introduce further road safety initiatives by implementing a proposed traffic calming system in the area.”

She continued, “After carrying out traffic surveys in the area, Roads Services have identified and highlighted the need for improved road safety measures.

“The introduction of these measures are very much appreciated and welcomed and will alert and remind all roadusers of the need to practice a high level of road safety awarenessthroughout the area.”

Councillor Hazel Gamble also welcomed the news.

“This is something the local school, community leaders and elected representatives have been lobbying for many years,” she said.

“I have been liaising with DRD Roads on this issue since 2011. I share the concern of parents and teachers over the safety of children.”