Alliance Alderman Alan McDowell and Kellie Armstrong MLA have this week met with Department For Infrastructure Road Service representatives and the PSNI to discuss mounting road safety issues on the Movilla Road and the Bowtown Estate.
Attended by representatives from all parties, the cross-party meeting highlighted a desire to see the current 40mph limit reduced to 30, amongst other suggestions, which Alderman McDowell said would give peace of mind to road users and pedestrians alike.
He added: “Concern has been growing for some time over the increased risk in this area – concerns which were sadly validated late last year when a fatality was confirmed.
“This meeting was about delivering achievable actions, from the decreased speed limit, to the consideration of further traffic calming measures close to Abbey Primary School, there is plenty for the Department to consider.
“This issue is definitely on everyone minds and our Alliance team will be continuing to lobby on your behalf until we see results locally.”
Alliance’s infrastructure spokesperson, Kellie Armstrong MLA added: “Newtownards has expanded, with a large number of houses added to the Movilla Road, yet the town limits have not been amended to take in the additional residential areas. I call upon Ards and North Down Council to ensure their Local Development Plan updates the town boundaries to bring Movilla within the 30mph limits therefore opening opportunity for traffic calming measures to be implemented by DfI roads.
“At the cross party meeting I asked if local awareness measures could be increased to remind all that roads don’t kill, drivers do. It is vital that all agencies work in partnership to combat the scourge of dangerous driver behaviours.”