DFI ‘content’ to engage with Councillor over Glenshesk Road

THE Chronicle recently reported how Sinn Féin Councillor Maighréad Watson had written to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) requesting that the current 60mph speed limit on the Glenshesk Road, beside Glen Rovers GAC in Armoy, be reviewed and reduced.

Speaking to the Chronicle at the time, the Glens DA rep said: “The section of road is home to a number of families, with houses located directly alongside the road. Residents regularly have to park their cars outside their homes, creating an added risk on what is already a busy rural road where vehicles can travel at high speeds."

“I have raised particular concerns for the young children and elderly residents living in the area, who should not have to face unnecessary danger simply because they live alongside a road with a 60mph limit."

“This is about road safety and protecting people in the community. We have homes, children, elderly residents and pedestrians directly alongside this road, yet vehicles can legally travel at 60mph. That is simply too fast for a residential section of road where people are accessing their homes and cars are parked at the roadside."

“I have asked DfI to properly assess the situation and consider reducing the speed limit. Prevention is always better than waiting for a serious accident to happen. Our rural communities deserve roads that are safe for everyone who lives, walks and drives on them.”

The Chronicle contacted the DfI but didn’t receive a response in time for print, however, A spokesperson said afterwards: “Officials from the Department would be content to engage with the Councillor further regarding the speed limit on the Glenshesk Road and will also continue to monitor the route and analyse collision data, including information contained within PSNI reports relating to recent incidents, to determine whether any further safety measures may be appropriate to help ensure the safety of all road users.”