Clarke raises traffic concerns for Newcastle school
Alliance Party Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has raised his concerns regarding a number of traffic issues at St. Mary’s Primary School in Newcastle.
Clarke says he has requested a meeting with DRD Roads Service Traffic Section to discuss a number of concerns and issues from local residents living within Elmgrove Park, Beechfield Park and Bryansford Avenue regarding traffic volume entering and leaving the school.
In recent weeks Councillor Clarke has been contacted by some concerned local residents regarding the volume and speed of traffic as well as drivers using mobile phones whilst driving along Elmgrove Park and Beechfield Park entering and leaving St. Mary’s Primary School during weekday school opening hours.
Speaking to Newry Times, Clarke stated, “Local residents are concerned at the volume and speed of vehicles which are passing through Elmgrove Park to St. Marys Primary School and then leaving via Beechfield Park onto Bryansford Avenue.
“Some residents have noticed a section of drivers using mobile phones and having no regard for driving through a built up residential area during weekday school opening hours.”
“The PSNI have been contacted and have agreed to monitor the situation and liaise with St. Mary’s Primary School about the concerns raised with them by local residents who feel some traffic calming measures are needed to be put in place to make drivers slow down and aware that they are driving though a residential area.”
Clarke continued, “Residents are complaining about the volume and also speed of traffic along Elmgrove Park and Beechfield Park at various parts of the day. There are also complaints that some drivers are accessing St. Mary’s Primary School via Beechfield Park instead of using the one way system.
“I also understand the PSNI have been contacted about the matter by local residents and have also spoken to the Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School.”
“I have also spoken to the Principal Mrs. Flanagan about a number of issues relating to traffic going into St. Marys Primary School via Elmgrove Park and leaving via Beechfield Park. She advises me that a letter has been issued to all parents regarding the matters raised with her.”
He added, “We are both in agreement that a meeting with DRD Roads Service traffic section should take place about possible traffic calming issues and signage in order to resolve any concerns of local residents.”
“I am hoping that my request for a meeting DRD Roads Service traffic section will take place with myself and the Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School as quickly as possible in order to discuss all issues and to investigate possible traffic calming issues and signage.”
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