Sinn Fein Councillor Naomi Bailie is calling for problems with heavy traffic levels at a busy Downpatrick junction to be addressed.
Speaking at the junction of Ballynoe Road and Killough Road in Downpatrick, Councillor Bailie said the situation was worsening due to high volumes of traffic using back roads to access services at that end of town.
She added: “Visitors to the town often use the back roads to access the eastern side of Downpatrick, cutting across Bishops Brae.
“Thousands of commuters use this route every day to access services at the Downe Hospital and the Down Civic site, both situated on Ardglass Road.
“The traffic levels at this junction have been slowly increasing over the years and have now have reached a level that is no longer manageable. The heavy volume of commuters at this junction is creating difficulties for traffic flow through this part of Downpatrick and is contributing to traffic flow chaos throughout the town.
“As a result this particular junction is now one of the most dangerous in our district, with vehicles often dodging one another to cross over safely.
“A long-term solution must delivered at this site to ensure that both drivers and pedestrians are safe. I have written to Traffic NI again on this matter asking that they install a filter lane at the junction.
“Whilst I fully appreciate that they have budget considerations, this is a clear safety matter and one which, if not addressed, could lead to possible collisions at the site,” added Cllr Bailie.
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