Speed limit reduction calls in Laurencetown

After a site meeting which Mrs Dobson arranged at the junction she said: “Last month, following contact from the Community Association, I wrote to Translink, the PSNI and TransportNI to raise concerns about the potential for further accidents unless measure are taken to decrease the speed of traffic and increase road and pedestrian safety in this area.

“The current speed limit on the main road is 40mph with Translink and school buses leaving off their passengers on both sides of the road, meaning that crossing the road can be an extremely dangerous process especially for young schoolchildren.

“I very much welcome the commitment given to me from Translink to work alongside all other agencies to bring forward measures which would make both of their bus stops in the village safer.

“However, given the responsibility which TransportNI have in relation to Road Safety we were disappointed by their response stating that as they had reviewed the situation ‘recently’ they did ‘not feel that attendance by TransportNI staff is merited on this occasion’.”

“The Association is especially concerned about the potential for further accidents in this area involving either pedestrians or motorists and are keen to see the speed limit passing through the village reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

“I would therefore wish to thank both the PSNI and Translink officials who gave of their time to attend and meet with us.

“I give my full support to the Association in seeking attention to the traffic concerns and have since written to the Divisional Roads Manager at Transport NI to request that a full survey of road usage in this area is conducted and that appropriate safety measures are brought forward.

“I have also requested their full co-operation to work with Translink to improve passenger safety at the bus stops.”