Fears for children’s safety have been voiced after calls for additional traffic calming measures in Moygashel – including a pedestrian crossing – were ruled out.
With speed ‘humps’ at either end of the busy village, there had been lobbying local for further measures to be put in place along the busy main road.
But the Department for Infrastructure has indicated that it does not meet the threshold.
It is a resp0nse which has led to UUP Deputy Leader and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong voicing her dismay and urging a rethink on the part of the decision-makers.
Ms Armstrong said: “I am very disappointed by the Department for Infrastructure’s decision not to proceed with traffic calming measures or a formal pedestrian crossing in Moygashel.
“Residents have repeatedly raised concerns with my office about road safety in the area, particularly around the primary school at finishing time, and crossing the road at the SPAR shop.
“At present, there are speed humps at both entrances to the village, but these do little to deter drivers speeding through the centre of the village. One resident told me he fears his grandchild will be knocked down walking home from school.
“I requested the provision of additional traffic calming measures and a formalised controlled pedestrian crossing on Main Street following these concerns and, while the Department’s assessment may not have met its technical thresholds, it is clear that many people in the community believe additional safety measures are needed.”
The local MLA said concerns of people in the area “cannot be dismissed”.
And she added: “I will continue to press the Department to keep this location under review and I would encourage residents to raise their concerns and share their experiences, so we can build the strongest possible case for improvements in the future.”
A DfI spokesperson confirmed that a pedestrian crossing was not being looked at “at this time”.
A spokesperson told Armagh I : “All requests for improvements to the road network, including the provision of pedestrian crossings and other traffic calming measures are assessed in line with our current policies and guidance with a prioritisation system based on various factors including collision records and the speed, volume and type of traffic.
“This allows us to prioritise requests to ensure our limited resources are targeted to where there is the greatest need.
“The Department recently carried out a traffic and pedestrian survey at this location and unfortunately it did not score highly enough to be considered for a crossing at this time.
“Concerns about driver behaviour such as speeding or other inconsiderate behaviour should be directed to the PSNI who have the powers of enforcement in that regard. They can be contacted on their non-emergency 101 telephone number.”
