Farmers vow to continue battle over M2 bypass tractor ban

The regional manager of DfI Roads Northern Division admitted that the Ballymena M2 bypass is an “oddity”, at a meeting with Mid and East Antrim councillors this week.

Addressing a request for the reclassification of a stretch of the M2 from Teeshan to Larne Road roundabout, David Porter said that there would be a “difficulty from an engineering point of view” as other types of users would then be permitted on that road.

He said this would include cyclists and pedestrians.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has vowed to continue lobbying the Department for Infrastructure over a decision against the reclassification of the Ballymena bypass.

In a letter to the local authority, the UFU said that it has been lobbying for this stretch of the M2 from Teeshan to Larne Road roundabout to be reclassified for four years.

The UFU has concerns over road safety saying that farmers are “forced to navigate large machinery onto the fast lane” and through a built-up area when coming from the north.

The UFU says that the “prohibition of agricultural vehicles on this section of the road is causing serious distress for farmers and contractors in the Ballymena area who have to take an alternative route through the town centre with large vehicles and agri machinery”.

Mr Porter said: “We did listen to the UFU. We met with a number of councillors, we did listen to the issues and we did carry out a survey on the basis of the argument put forward.

“In the survey of the mart, very few vehicles that could not use it were in the carpark.Justification for making a change for that reason has not been met.” He also noted that his department spoke to police who were “not in favour of these changes”.

“Any changes must have the support of the police. We have to pay attention to their advice,” he added.

He suggested that a response to the draft document for public consultation on the development of a new regional strategic plan could be a consideration giving a “more credible reason”.

“I would be thinking about my argument and getting ready for that consultation,” he added “It is not to fob you off. It is genuinely the best opportunity for you. It may well result in a change of classification of the M2 Ballymena bypass.”

Bannside DUP Cllr Tom Gordon said the “primary reason” is road safety.

“Heavy machinery coming from Glarryford to come off the dual carriageway at Teeshan is in the inside lane moving at 25mph. Traffic on the outside is travelling at 70 plus mph. You have to move out into the fast lane. It is a grave road safety concern, an accident waiting to happen.

Mr Porter replied: “Road safety at Teeshan is certainly a concern. That in itself would not justify that change. It is an oddity. There is something that does not sit well but just need to work out a proper reason for changing it.”