New traffic survey after Crescent Link access branded ‘a complete nightmare’ by Councillor

Alliance Party Councillor Philip McKinney branded the situation in the area “a complete disaster”.

Speaking as more businesses begin to reopen, Colr. McKinney said: “Residents in Summer Meadows and Blackthorn Manor find it extremely frustrating trying to access their properties by car, and those on foot take their lives in their hands crossing at the roundabout into Summer Meadows.

“At the minute, there is no controlled systems for pedestrians to cross the busy traffic flow at the roundabout entrance to Summer Meadows or the retail parks.”

Colr. McKinney said he had raised the issue of safety repeatedly with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and has been waiting nine months to hear back after the Department said someone would be in touch to discuss the findings of a traffic survey that was supposed to have taken place some time ago. “DfI response to my correspondence has been abysmal,” he said, adding: “What will it take to have some form of proper traffic control measures put in place for the residents of this area?”

A DfI spokesperson responded that it was aware of the concerns of residents and the request for a pedestrian crossing, adding: “In order to carry out a full and proper assessment on whether a controlled crossing can be justified, pedestrian and vehicular traffic volumes need to be established. Given the current general reduction in traffic numbers associated with Covid restrictions, it is not considered appropriate to carry out a survey at this time as it would not provide a full reflection of the traffic situation. The Department is committed to carrying out a survey in September when traffic volumes are likely to be closer to normal levels.”

The Department also apologised for the delay in providing Colr. McKinney with an update.