Chris Hazzard MLA is to bring forward a motion in the Assembly to discuss road safety in residential areas of South Down.
He said: “The volume of traffic going through built-up areas at speed has been one of the biggest local issues that has been raised with Sinn Féin at the doors across South Down. “
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Chris Hazzard MLA announces progress in road safety measures in South Down.[/caption]Nearing the end of the Westminster election campaign, he said: “Along with fellow MLA Caitríona Ruane and councillors on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, I will to continue to work with TransportNI (formerly Roads Service), to make roads safer and give priority to pedestrians and cyclists on our roads.
“I have already gone on the record in stating that at present it would seem that motorists have priority. As a result I will be bringing forward a motion in the Assembly to discuss road safety in residential areas of South Down.
“We have made contact with TransportNI as this issue repeatedly arisen in communities from Glenn and Annaclone to Longstone and Drumaroad. We favour an approach which educates road users as to the dangers of excess speed through our towns and villages, as opposed to penalising them, with speed cameras, fines and police checkpoints.
“For example, when we’ve met with TransportNI, we have asked that they look at the ‘YOUR SPEED’ displays, used in towns and villages in the south. Let’s encourage road users to be responsible instead of imposing fines. “While road safety is a major concern across South Down, there has been some progress. As a result of Sinn Féin’s engangement with the community and TransportNI, it was recently announced Hilltown is to have 30MPH roundels and bands of red textured surfacing.
“There has also been a commitment to carry out a new traffic survey, to assess the need for a controlled pedestrian crossing in Hilltown. We also understand that the criteria for traffic calming measure are to be reviewed. “
Mr Hazzard added: “We will be following up on contact we have made with communities across South Down in the near future.“
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