Councillor Naomi Bailie has called on Transport NI to assess the potential for a puffin crossing at Edward Street, Downpatrick.
The Sinn Fein representative has called for a pedestrian vehicle survey at the site which has become a traffic bottleneck.
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Downpatrick Sinn Finn Counillor Naomi Baillie has called for a puffin crossing in Edward Street in Doewnpatrick to improve pedestrain safety.[/caption]
“Traffic management is an issue of great concern for local parents,” she said. Edward Street has become increasingly busy since the opening of the Downshire Civic Hub on the Ardglass Road.
“The amalgamation of two local primary schools, now sited on Edward Street has increased the numbers of children frequently passing.
“The problems at the site are well documented, but little appears to be being done to address them.
“It seems Transport NI are content to await the introduction of a one-way system in Downpatrick, which it hopes will alleviate pressure at this part of the town.
“However, that project is still being held up by the PSNI’s reluctance to allow roads officials access to their Irish Street site to alllow for preparations for the one-way development. The old police station will hav eto be demolished and a road will link to St Patrick’s Avenue.
“This is unacceptable and I will be arranging to meet with senior PSNI officials in the coming days to address this issue.
“In the meantime, children using facilities at Edward Street, whether they be schools or play parks, are at an increased risk due to the dangerous road layout and heavy traffic.
“In the past Transport NI officials have recognised this risk and agreed to my requests for additional signage and road safety measures.
“I am now calling on them to install a puffin crossing on the stretch of road, so that children, parents and residents can cross the road safely during busy periods of the day.
“To do so at the minute is extremely dangerous even with a crossing patrol attendant and this issue must be addressed before someone is seriously hurt,” explained Councillor Bailie.
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