A motorist takes a shortcut across a flat roundabout at Clonard – just one of the issues that arose at a council meeting about the town traffic plan. Pic: Jim Campbell
A NUMBER of issues were brought to the attention of the Traffic Management Committee by members of the Borough District of Wexford council at a recent meeting.
The meeting was called following a request from Sinn Féin councillor Anthony Kelly to review various elements of the traffic plan, particularly problem areas for safety and traffic congestion.
One big issue that was raised was that of cars driving over instead of around flat roundabouts, as evidenced by our photograph at Clonard.
Cllr. Frank Staples drew attention to considerable issues with two flat roundabouts side-by-side on the Clonard Road saying: “Most people just drive over them. Would a set of traffic lights be more effective?”
Other issues arising included issues with pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, lighting and speed.
Cllr. Ger Carthy questioned the layout of the junction at Wexford General Hospital asking if a roundabout would not be a better option than the traffic lights. He added that cars travelling up from the new roundabouts were frequently speeding, making it hazardous for ambulances coming to and from the hospital.
The roundabout at St. Peter’s College was an area of concern for Cllr. Deirdre Wadding who said that the pedestrian crossing on Belvedere Road was too close to the edge of the roundabout: “It’s literally right around the corner and cars could end up almost on top of a pedestrian.”
Cllr. George Lawlor asked for progress on a pedestrian crossing on the main road in Murrintown where a ramp had been constructed but it was not a designated pedestrian crossing. In contrast, St. Iberius School had a pedestrian crossing but no ramp and were seeking one to slow down traffic in the area.
[Full story in this week’s Echo]