SOUTH Down MLA Seán Rogers (SDSLP) has spoken out following huge traffic delays last Wednesday morning in Ballynahinch town centre which impacted on commuters travelling from the Newcastle area to Belfast.
Mr Rogers said: “A number of local people who work in Belfast and normally travel through Ballynahinch in and around 7.30am approached my office angry at the congestion in the town centre at this time. It was reported that roadwork’s were in operation reducing traffic to flow one lane at a time, which added nearly 35 minutes onto the journey of many motorists.
“I immediately made representations to Roads Service and was advised that the congestion was as a result of works carried out by a NI Water contractor outside the agreed working hour’s arrangement without prior agreement and authorisation from Roads Service Traffic Management/ PSNI Traffic Section.
“Roads Service contacted the contractor at the time to voice their concerns and disappointment. As a result Roads Service have been given assurances that all future works at this location, as agreed with Roads Service/ PSNI, will be undertaken during restricted times/ out of hours unless alternative arrangements are requested and agreed by all parties concerned.
“I wish to thank the Roads Service for their action in this regard and hope that such a situation does not happen again. Many people from the greater Newcastle area face the daily commute to Belfast, which is long enough without having to endure additional delays which lengthen the journey and inevitably have an impact on their working day,” added Mr Rogers.
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