Police respond to road safety concerns at Castlegrange

POLICE have conducted a road safety operation amid concerns over speeding in a densely populated residential area in Strabane.

Fears have been raised by residents of Castlegrange, which sits off the busy Strabane Bypass route, over the increasing volume and speed of traffic.

Local Sinn Féin councillor, Antaine Ó Fearghail, has been making representations to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on behalf of residents and their road safety concerns.

He has urged the roads authority to install speed ramps in the area.

Councillor Ó Fearghail said: "The volume of traffic using Castlegrange from the Great Northern Road (bypass) is increasing, so too is the speed of this traffic.

"Last year a child was knocked down on this route. Accidents have occurred - thankfully none were fatal but there is always that potential.

"I impressed upon them the need for additional ramps and the installation of speed cameras."

The Derg councilor added: "The volume of traffic is understandable since anyone wanting to access the estates of Jefferson Court, Carricklyn Avenue, Castletown Court, Summer Hill Court etc do enter from the bypass.

"The real issue here is not so much the volume of traffic but the speed of the traffic. 20 miles an hour signs clearly exist.

"In the interim, I would ask all motorists to drive cautiously on this route."

In response to the councillor's representations, DfI officials have committed to reviewing the matter with an outcome expected this month.

Signage urging motorists to slow their speed in the area have been erected by the party, while police have also conducted checks in the area in response to the concerns.

"Responding to concerns from residents and local community representatives about speeding in the Castlegrange and Castlemurray areas of Strabane, Sperrin Neighbourhood Policing Team Officers conducted speed checks in the area," a spokesperson said.

"No tickets were issued, however, officers did issue advice and guidance to a number of drivers.

"We all share the responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe. Remember the ‘Fatal Five’ and the steps you can take to avoid them.

"Don’t drink and drive, slow down, don’t get careless, wear your seat belt and stay off your phone. #MoreThanAStatistic."