Residents of a Ramelton housing estate will be holding a public meeting tomorrow to state their opposition to a proposed speed limit increase.
Concerned residents of Elm Park say that a proposed increase of 10km/h on the adjoining R245 road would cause major road safety concerns – particularly for the pedestrians and school children who walk along the road on a daily basis.
The speed limit increase would be in effect from the Cup and Saucer, all the way to the Illistrin/Church Street junction, where the Scoil Mhuire primary school is located.
Marti McElhinney, speaking on behalf of concerned locals, said this increase is both “dangerous and unnecessary,” and that it would put children going to and from school at a further increased risk.
“Residents believe it is both dangerous and unnecessary to increase the speed limit on a stretch of road that has long been recognised as a significant road safety concern,” Marti said ahead of Monday’s public meeting.
“This is the same section of road that previously received funding under the Safe Routes to School programme for a long-awaited footpath, yet that footpath has still not been delivered.”
Marti says that residents are concerned already with pedestrian safety along the road, due to a lack of a footpath towards Ramelton in parts, or a controlled pedestrian crossing to access Scoil Mhuire.
“The proposed 60 km/h speed limit would extend almost to the Illistrin/Church Street junction, immediately adjacent to Scoil Mhuire. Every school day, children and families cross this road to access the school, despite the absence of a footpath, a controlled pedestrian crossing or effective traffic calming measures,” Marti said.
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“Residents simply cannot understand why higher vehicle speeds are being proposed in such close proximity to a primary school, particularly when the existing 50 km/h limit is already widely ignored and enforcement is limited.”
Organisers of the meeting say that they have received support from local Councillors Declan Meehan and Pauric McGarvey, who are both planning to attend the meeting.
“The gathering aims to demonstrate the strength of local opposition and to call for long-overdue investment in road safety measures, including the promised footpath, a safe pedestrian crossing and appropriate traffic calming, before any increase in the speed limit is considered,” meeting organisers said.
The community meeting will take place tomorrow (Monday) evening at 7:00 pm, at the entrance to Elm Court Estate on the R245, Ramelton.