Statement by Jim Allister MLA:
“Today, TUV arranged a meeting with Transport NI and the PSNI to discuss concerns about the speed of vehicles on Cardonaghy Road, particularly at Fourtowns Primary School.
“This meeting out at the site was attended by Alderman Stewart McDonald, local residents and Jim Millar, Principal of Fourtowns PS, with a view to trying to enhance speed restraints on the road.
“Speed surveys on this section of the road demonstrated that there were considerable instances of vehicles traveling at excessive speed. That confirms the anecdotal information provided by residents and reaffirms the necessity of seeing it resolved.
“The most alarming information came from the PSNI who informed those present that all police traffic patrols for this area now have to come from Maydown. This is scandalous and shows a clear loss of local checks.
“Transport NI will be returning with more detailed proposals – the sooner the better – so that this road can become safer for all users.”
Alderman Stewart McDonald echoed the comments:
“Residents have approached me ever since I got elected regarding the speed of vehicles on Cardonaghy Road, many of them parents worried about the safety of their children at Fourtowns PS.
“Along with residents we started a petition to focus PSNI and Transport NI minds on safety concerns. I was glad to attend this meeting with residents and Principal Millar, as it is they who see the dangers on a daily basis and I want them to know TUV will fight to get changes.
“It is a great worry to hear how stretched the PSNI are in doing local traffic patrols, and it shows how important preventative measures such as rumble bars and clear signage could be.
“I look forward to seeing the proposals from Transport NI and will be pushing for any work to be completed as soon as possible.”