Speeding traffic: a case of ‘Ramelton roulette’

By Chris Ashmore

IT’S not a case of Russian roulette – it’s a case of Ramelton roulette, a local councillor has claimed in relation to speeding traffic in the town.

Cllr. Declan Meehan’s comment came during a council discussion on road safety-related issues in the Bridgend area of the town, and in particular the failure of many vehicles coming from the Milford direction to slow down when coming down the hill.

He stressed that “something needs to be done to calm down the traffic” and that there have been “countless near misses on people crossing from one side to the other”.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, he also highlighted the dangers for people outside the Bridge Bar where there is a narrow footpath which also comes to an end.

He called for “something manageable to be put in place” on the hill in the interim so that traffic can be calmed.

Under current policies, putting ramps in on a hill will not be possible – as they could even contribute to an accident.

Cllr. Pauric McGarvey, supported the motion calling for the council to act, noted that the flashing speed sign at the top of the road “is working to an extent.”

However, he said that speed remains an issue and for some residents it is like having an earthquake with their houses “shaking from lorries passing by”.

Cllr. McGarvey felt that be it traffic islands or chicanes, something has to be done.

The matter has been highlighted over the past two years.

Senior Executive Engineer (Roads), David McIlwaine, responded by stating that the Roads Section will carry out an assessment of this location and consider options for improving safety.

Possible sources of funding to carry out safety works would be through a NTA Active Travel Scheme.

A proposal will be prepared and attempts will be made to obtain NTA Active Travel Funding, he stated.

Meanwhile, the pending introduction of a new 30pm/h speed limit in urban areas could have an impact on traffic issues in this area.

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