Following her own safety concerns, Mrs Cochrane raised the issue with Roads Service after also being contacted by a number of constituents on the issue. The new system will operate on the approach to the junction in order to aid traffic flow and reduce road hazards.
Judith Cochrane MLA said: “In recent months, I have received a wide variety of enquiries in relation to road safety concerns across the constituency, and constituents have frequently voiced concerns about accessibility to the Towell House residential complex situated on the Kings Road close to the junction with the Knock Road.
“As a regular user of this road, I too have become increasingly aware of the complications facing motorists seeking to turn right into Towell House. Without adequate provisions for visibility or access, this is a situation which has only worsened since recent changes to the signal sequence at the main Knock Road/Kings Road junction.
“In recognition of these dangers, I requested that the Roads Service consider installing a yellow box at the turning juncture and I am delighted that they agreed and have now delivered on their commitment to do so. This will make a huge difference not only for motorists regularly using this road and visitors accessing Towell House, but also for the wider community who will benefit from a safer and more efficient travel environment.”
A Roads Service engineer added: “We normally do not provide such markings at private entrances, however, observations indicated that with recent changes to the signalling sequence at the principal junction, there were occasions when a vehicle wishing to turn right into Towell House was unable to do so because of on-coming traffic. This in turn held up traffic leaving the junction, therefore, reducing its efficiency. In these circumstances, to improve traffic progression, we agreed to provide a yellow box road marking on Kings Road at the entrance to Towell House as part of our maintenance programme for the area.”