Campaigns win new speed limit in Magherafelt

Moneymore Road and Pound Road are both set to have their limits reduced to 40mph following safety inspections by the Department for Infrastructure.

It is understood the new speed limit will come into operation on the Moneymore Road on September 7, and final checks are being made before the introduction of the new limit on Pound Road.

Concerns had been raised regarding the volume and speed of vehicles on both roads, used regularly by pedestrians.

The new road safety measures were confirmed in a recent letter from the Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, to Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone.

Mr McGlone said: “We welcome the new 40mph speed limits on the Moneymore Road and Pound Road.

“The SDLP has been lobbying for these and other measures to improve safety on our rural roads for some time.”

Magherafelt SDLP Councillor Christine McFlynn added, “Local residents and road users will benefit from the new speed limits. Slower traffic means safer roads for all.”

Mr McGlone ended by saying: “Improved safety on our rural roads will benefit all road users and the rural economy.”

Meanwhile, Mid Ulster police hit out at what they described as anti-social driving in the Newmills area. They said in a social media post that they had received numerous reports online in relation to speeding in the area.

The posts read: “Today our neighbourhood team carried out patrols of the area, speaking with motorists in relation to their driving and the condition of their vehicle, in particular about the excessive noise coming from some of their exhausts. As a result one driver with issued with a ticket for excess speed.”

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