Speeding on our roads is an issue that comes up time and time again. Everyone knows the dangers but few are pleased to see the “hairdryer” appear in focus as they drive around a bend!
While no one ever wants to be slapped with a ticket, speeding is quite literally a matter of life and death, and we all need to do our part to ensure the safety of ourselves and others when behind the wheel.
On Friday (February 20) Armagh I were invited by Armagh Neighbourhood Policing team to attend speed operations across Armagh city.
During the operation, officers targeted well known areas where speeding is frequently an issue starting at College Hill just outside Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
Here, Constable Thompson explained: “We are in this area because teachers from both schools (The Royal School Armagh and Armstrong Primary) have indicated repeated safety concerns, especially at peak times during school pick up and drop off.
“It’s a busy road with several junctions and a lot of foot traffic and congestion.”
Prior to setting up their checkpoint and deploying the laser speed device, police drove along a stretch of the Portadown Road to ensure the speed signs clearly indicated that drivers were entering a 30mph zone. Once confirmed, they set up at their location.
Police were pleased to see the majority of vehicles were below the 30mph limit. The few that exceeded did so marginally and were stopped to be issued with advice and reminded of the speed limit before being allowed to proceed.
Following a brief stay at College Hill, officers then moved to Mullinure Lane at the entry to the Deanery Demesne.
This particular stretch of road, police agreed, could be deceiving to drivers as it is wide, straight and has crash barriers towards the end at the roundabout.
However, it is a 30mph zone within a highly residential area that continues to be built upon.
Once set up at this location, police did clock a driver at over 40mph along the stretch. This driver was issued with enforcement action as a result.
Thankfully, all others on the Mullinure Lane were within the speed limit.
The next location was at the Cavanacaw Road, another highly residential area where the road leads into the countryside.
Said Constable Thompson: “This is an area where residents are constantly informing us of speeding. Many drivers would use the road in the mornings and early evenings as a ‘short cut’ to avoid city traffic.”
All drivers on the Cavanacaw Road were determined to be within the speed limit during the time officers were in attendance.
The final stop of the day was Victoria Street, a busy arterial route into the city centre, where many residents have also voiced their concerns for traffic moving much too fast for their liking.
Thankfully, like Cavanacaw Road, all drivers on Victoria Street were recorded to be within the speed limit during the officers’ operation.
Stressing the importance of operations like this one, Constable Thompson said: “Again, it’s not about hammering the public. Speeding is an incredibly important issue and something we constantly work hard to address.
“Sometimes, our presence is enough to remind people to check their speed and that’s really all it’s about. It’s not an exercise where we go out just to try and issue tickets. It’s genuine speed awareness and an attempt to keep our communities and roads safe.”
The team also work closely with DVA to tackle problematic areas with more comprehensive strategies.
As always police welcome information from the public to help inform their operations. If you would like to report an area of concern you can report online here or call 101.
