Mourne’s Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has welcomed the decision by Transport NI to review the need for a speed limit extension, on the Castlewellan Road, Newcastle.
He said they are currently consulting on the proposal to extend the 30/40 mile per hour speed limit on the A50 Castlewellan Road Newcastle,
Cllr Clarke added: “The community have been united in lobbying the statutory agencies and the Newcastle Interagency Partnership have been vital in harnessing the support of politicians, community groups and Castlewellan residents, in convincing the Department of Infrastructure to extend the speed limit on the Castlewellan Road, Newcastle.
“The proposal consists of extending the existing 30 mph speed limit country bound for a distance of approximately 210 meters and the extension of the existing 40 mph speed limit country bound for a distance of approximately 202.5 metres
“The speed of cars on the Castlewellan Road, has caused great concern over many years,and there have been a number of accidents at this location and pedestrians have been put at risk on a daily basis, including school children.
“The extension of the speed limit will will help in reducing motorists speed before they enter the heavily populated area of the Castlewellan Road, Newcastle.
“The Department of Infrastructure have undertaken a review of the traffic and pedestrian movements in the area. This data has backed up the community’s view that the extension of the speed limit was essential in reducing the risk to pedestrians in this area.”
