Motorists reverted back to speeding when height of ramps was reversed
CURRENTLY back on the agenda in City Hall is the issue of road ramps.
Some years ago hardly a week went by without councillors calling for the installation of ramps to prevent motorists speeding through housing estates in their areas.
Now, the southside councillor, Ger Fahy is concerned that the ramps being used are not up to the job.
“I remember when there were rat runs in Janesboro and the people there and especially children were at risk of being knocked down by cars travelling at speed.
“When ramps were installed, however, it was no time before complaints were being received from motorists claiming that the height of the ramps was responsible for damaging their cars.
“Then it was decided that the ramps were too high and would have to be lowered and guess what happened – motorists reverted back to speeding – they can do so safely over the ramps, so the effective work has been nullified.”
Road Traffic engineer with the city council, Rory McDermott told the meeting that the Department of Transport had ordered that the steeper ramps be removed.
“I can only work to the current regulations,” he told Cllr Fahy.
Emphasising the importance of traffic regulation, Cllr Tom Shortt said that effective traffic calming measures are vital.
“For instance, Athlunkard Bridge is very dangerous for cyclists, where you have trucks overtaking cyclists on a very narrow area.
Cllr Kathleen Leddin also voiced concern for the safety of cyclists on the flyover.
Agreeing that there are difficulties, Mr McDermott said this is regrettable as the council is keen to encourage more cyclists on to the roads.
“However the National Roads Authority is reverting to the British system, where, as the road becomes more dangerous, the line gets longer.
“As for concerns of safety for cyclists on Athlunkard Bridge, I can assure you that we are dealing with this problem.
