Call for action on invisible road markings

A LOCAL councillor has called for urgent action on the worsening state of road markings at several junctions across the town.

Raymond Barr says that unless action is taken to address the near invisible markings, someone could be seriously injured.

He has been making representations to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on the matter, and has been told the work will be carried out "when resources become available".

First raised last summer, the independent councillor said there is a need for a review of road markings pointing to the junction of the Woodend Road and Derry Road, and the junction close to the Asda roundabout as examples of two that are in need of urgent attention.

As shown in the photographs, the markings are barely visible.

Speaking on the issue, councillor Barr said: "In June of last year I contacted DfI in relation to road markings, particularly at junctions which had all but disappeared.

"I was told then that a review of road markings was being undertaken in the area and those that needed refreshed would have the work done.

"I wrote to DfI again in January this year and was told the markings would be refreshed as soon as resources permit.

"The importance of road markings being clear and well maintained cannot be overstated. Someone is killed on UK roads every 22 minutes and one of the contributing factors is unclear signage.

"Road markings tell us where to position our vehicles, when to reduce speed, when to stop, what lanes to be in.

"Road markings save lives and minimise accidents, they are essential for driving instructors when teaching.

"I can’t accept a government department telling me this work will be done when resources become available - the same government that enforces driving regulations.

"The approach to the Asda roundabout, the roundabout at O’Neills factory on the Melmount Road and the junction where Woodend Road and Derry Road meet are potential accident blackspots and need addressed as a matter of urgency."

Asked to respond to the concerns, a spokesperson for the DfI said recent unfavourable weather conditions had impacted its road marking programme.

“The department has issued a considerable volume of work to our road marking contractor in the Strabane area in recent months," he said.

"However, the application of road markings is weather dependent requiring dry surfaces for the successful application of the road marking material.

"Regrettably adverse weather conditions have impacted on the programme of work.

"We are liasing closely with the contractor to ensure that all outstanding work is carried out as soon as practicable.”