Alliance Concerned with Traffic Issues at St Mary's PS in Newcastle

Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke is concerned about traffic issues around St Mary’s Primary School in Newcastle.[/caption] In recent weeks Councillor Clarke has been contacted by some concerned local residents regarding both the volume and speed of traffic as well as drivers using mobile phones  entering and leaving St. Mary’s Primary School during weekday school opening hours. He said: : “Some residents have noticed a section of drivers using mobile phones and having no regard for driving through a built up residential area during weekday school opening hours. “The PSNI have been contacted and have agreed to monitor the situation and liaise with St. Mary’s Primary School about the concerns raised with them by local residents who feel some traffic calming measures are needed to be put in place to make drivers slow down and aware that they are driving though a residential area. “I have made written representations to DRD Roads Service Traffic Section regarding a number issues including better signage and traffic calming regarding access via Elmgrove Park to St. Mary’s Primary School at Beechfield Park and also traffic leaving via Beechfield Park onto Bryansford Avenue in Newcastle. “There are also complaints that some drivers are accessing St. Mary’s Primary School via Beechfield Park instead of using the one-way system.  I also understand the PSNI have been contacted about the matter by local residents and have also spoken to the Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School. “Also, I have also spoken to the Principal Mrs. Flanagan  about a number of traffic issues.  She advised me that a letter had been issued to all parents regarding the matters raised with her. “We are both in agreement that a meeting with DRD Roads Service traffic section should take place about possible traffic calming issues and signage in order to resolve any concerns of local residents and ensure the safety of children in the area.” “I am hoping that my request for a meeting DRD Roads Service traffic section will take place with myself and the Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School as quickly as possible in order to discuss all issues and to investigate possible traffic calming issues and signage.”]]>