A Sinn Féin councillor has hit out at drivers performing "illegal and dangerous" manoeuvres at an interface in West Belfast.
Claire Canavan, who represents the Court DEA on Belfast City Council, has raised concerns about drivers performing u-turns at the Springfield Road and Lanark Way junction, which she says is "an accident waiting to happen" and said that she is disappointed that the Department for Infrastructure will not install traffic lights at the junction.
The local representative also voiced the concerns of local residents, who she says are concerned someone could be hurt and seriously injured.
“I have raised the need for traffic calming measures to be put in place at Lanark Way near the Springfield Road junction on numerous occasions," she said.
“I will continue to press the Department for Infrastructure on this issue. I am very concerned that drivers in Lanark Way are using the left lane to turn onto Springfield Road before making a U-turn at the Colinview Street junction and turning right up the road.
“This is illegal and extremely dangerous, and local residents are worried this behaviour is an accident waiting to happen. I am appealing to drivers to desist from this practice before someone is hurt and seriously injured. I have reported the concerns of residents to the police, who will be keeping an eye on this part of the road during peak times.”
Neighbourhood Inspector McCann said: “We have been made aware of concerns of some drivers carrying out these manoeuvres on the Springfield Road. We will continue to monitor the area and will engage with local representatives and partner agencies to discuss any road safety issues in West Belfast. We would remind road users to pay attention to their surroundings and follow the rules of the road.
“We would appeal to all road users to learn about the steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe on our roads which is a responsibility we all share. Please always remember the ‘Fatal Five’ - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt, and never use your mobile phone whilst driving.
“We urge anyone who has any concerns or issues to contact police on 101. You can also make a report online to us via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. ”
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “A change to the junction arrangement here would only be considered where there are large traffic volumes from the side road and there are consistent delays throughout the day. As this is not the case at this location we have no current plans to introduce further measures..
"Concerns about illegal driver behaviour should be directed to the PSNI who have the powers of enforcement in that regard. They can be contacted on their non-emergency 101 telephone number.”
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English (United States) ·