Ramps need to slow down speeding motorists in rural areas

‘Don’t heed warnings’

INSTALLING ramps in towns like Mountbellew and Menlough are the only way to stop motorists speeding through the busy rural areas.

That's the view of Cllr Michael Connolly who says while plans for traffic calming measures are welcome, the designs should include speed ramps.

Last week's meeting of the Ballinasloe District heard that consulting engineers have been appointed.

They will be proposing traffic calming measures for both areas and creating detailed preliminary designs.

“It is so important we get work started on traffic calming measures as soon as possible as these areas have busy roads filled with pedestrians as result of national schools, secondary schools, the Agricultural College, alongside the church and many housing estates,” warned Cllr Connolly during the meeting.

“I’m hoping that once finished with their review the consultants will agree with my suggestion that speed ramps are the only solution to the problem.

“There are so many motorists who just don’t care about how fast they are travelling on our roads.

They won’t listen to warnings and need something that will slow them down or they will continue to speed.”

Among the other projects discussed during the meeting was traffic calming measures for Creggs.

A contractor has now been appointed as the council look to introduce a new pedestrian crossing in the village.

Ballinasloe District Cathaoirleach Peter Keaveney welcomed the news, stating it is a badly needed addition for the area which he was delighted to see progressing.