Traffic safety appeal at Balla roadworks

AN appeal has been issued to motorists about safety concerns over the worsening problem of vehicles increasing speed and breaking the lights at the Prison Road junction where realignment roadworks on the N60 are taking place on the outskirts of Balla at Lagnamuck.

It has become a constant topic of conversation for residents in the Churchfield estate in Balla and for daily commuters who have voiced their near miss experiences, said Fine Gael general election candidate Alan Dillon.

He commented: “The installation of high definition cameras as a deterrent is simply not working.”

Mr. Dillon expressed his concerns over this inadequate method of policing the roads and the safety of others.

Over 8,000 vehicles use the route on a daily basis and this volume has increased in summer months with access to the Galway to Dublin motorway via the Tuam dual carriageway.

“This road realignment, once completed, will hugely benefit commuters. However, in the short term prior to schools returning the ever-increasing safety concerns need to addressed,” he said.

“Further action is needed by Mayo County Council as the client, by the contractor and enforcement by the garda traffic corps to remind drivers to slow down and heed the instructions from traffic control personnel, temporary road signs and to keep roadside workers and the public safe while these works are underway.

“We need to be proactive in how we solve this worsening situation to avoid a catastrophic road traffic accident.”

Mr. Dillon has asked Councillor Ger Deere to bring this matter up at the next Castlebar Municipal District meeting and will also bring it to the attention of Mayo road safety officer Noel Gibbons.