Independent Slieve Croob Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed a written response received from Transport NI requesting traffic calming measures at Main Street/Mill Hill in Castlewellan.
Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “I had been contacted regarding traffic speeding towards the pedestrian crossing at Main Street, Castlewellan. It seems that some traffic is not fully aware of the oncoming pedestrian crossing near the Ulster Bank and at Walker’s newsagents on Main Street forcing vehicles to stop abruptly when people are crossing and lights turn red.
“I therefore wrote to Transport NI requesting whether there were any plans to improve traffic calming/speeding measures or signage at this particular location as well as at the top of Mill Hill in Castlewellan where traffic driving up and down Mill Hill past the Market House towards Annsborough are also speeding.”
“I now welcome that Transport NI now proposes to carry out further surveys of Main Street in the early Autumn, when the schools return. These surveys are primarily aimed at assessing pedestrian movements but they will also take into account vehicle movements and speed. This information will be used to assess the need and priority of additional pedestrian and traffic management measures in the vicinity of Main Street.
“However, Transport NI is limited in how it can influence or control inappropriate driving behaviour of this nature. The 30mph and 40mph speed limits along this route are appropriately signed and drivers should be well aware of the need to reduce their speed in accordance with the conditions.
“As the A25 through Castlewellan is a main arterial route, the use of vertical traffic calming measures, such as road humps, is ruled out as an option for consideration.
“Any potential scheme, identified as part of Transport NI’s review of the location, will be required to compete against other locations in the Newry Mourne & Down area for the limited finances available.”
