Cllr Conor Galbraith (SDLP) calls for urgent action on road safety traffic issues around Downpatrick
Driving is never easy in winter but it is made more dangerous when key road safety functions are not working.
Cllr Conor Galbraith (SDLP) has called for immediate action to address growing road safety concerns, after reports of missing and incorrect signage, faulty traffic lights, and poor lighting on key routes.
The Councillor said residents have highlighted signs missing from traffic islands, traffic lights out on Christmas eve, and main road signs either missing or turned the wrong way. This creates confusion and increases the risk of accidents.
“The signs at the roundabout at the Downe Hospital at the start of the Ardglass Road appear to have been damaged by the wind,” said Conor Galbraith, “and they should be easily fixed by Roads Service. Even the sides of the roundabout could do with a lick of paint as the white paint is now hardly distinguishable.”
He added that “there has already been one incident of a car hitting an island not properly marked on the Flying Horse Road, underlining the seriousness of the problem.
“And there is also another on the lower end of the Saul Road that drivers need to be aware of where the sign indicator has been turned 90 degrees.”
He added: “On the Teconnaught Road, there were at least three defective road lane indicators and “on a busy stretch of road… this need attention quickly before an accident happens.”
“These are basic safety measures. When signs are missing or pointing the wrong way, it puts drivers at risk.”
He also raised concerns about the lack of lighting along the Quoile Bridge, where there are no pedestrian footpaths.
“This stretch is dangerous in the dark. We need proper lighting installed before someone is seriously hurt.
“And also, we need the installation of more deer warning signs in the area following a deer being found dead on the main road this morning. They can be a danger to vehicles.”
Cllr Galbraith has written to the relevant authorities requesting urgent inspections and a clear timetable for repairs.
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