Banbridge pedestrians blast new traffic layout in centre of town as 'dangerous'
A Banbridge retailer has been left wondering if it is now the only town in the world where the main flow of traffic must give way to vehicles cutting across it.
William Porter, proprietor of Porter's Furnishings and Giftware, was speaking on the first Monday of a new traffic layout.
Previously the heavy flow of traffic travelling up and down the steep hill of the main street had right of way.
However, as of yesterday it must give way to the Scarva-Rathfriland route – which cuts across the centre of the town via the Downshire Bridge.
Pedestrians told the News Letter the changes were dangerous.
However, Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council said the changes had been recommended by disabled and older people for pedestrian safety.
Mr Porter told the News Letter yesterday that they had been “waiting for a crash all morning”.
He said: “Show me the main street of any town in the world where the main flow of traffic becomes the secondary flow of traffic?
“They did try this 25 years ago and it didn't work."
The News Letter witnessed some sharp braking by vehicles not familiar with the new layout.
Mr Porter also expressed concern for elderly drivers.
“If they are having to do a hill start will they be able to cope with it?”
The News Letter tried the new junction and had to give an extra yank on the handbrake to stop the car rolling back because the hill is so steep.
Banbridge resident Sharon McGill wondered if it would “kill the footfall” in the town.
She told the News Letter: “My elderly mum says she won't be coming up this side of the street now.”
Another pedestrian, Kieran Hillen, said the layout “is going to get someone killed”.
“I have just walked across the zebra crossing and a car has just almost wiped me out. They don't realise it is there when they turn the corner.”
He too said the layout had been tried previously and discarded.
Another pedestrian, Heather, said the change has made the traffic flow worse and is “dangerous”.
“Most worrying are the new zebra crossings which are right at both junctions as you turn a corner.”
A spokesperson for ABC Borough Council said the changes were recommended after an audit in 2019 by the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC).
This is a publicly appointed committee of up to 18 people – supported by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) – at least half of which must be made up of older or disabled people.
It found the layout was “an area of concern for pedestrian safety”.
The result is aligned with DfI policy on pedestrian and traffic movement in urban centres.
It said the two new zebra crossings are located on the Scarva-Rathfriland route – but very close to the Main Street – to ensure people walking up and down the main street would use them, and not simply cross at dangerous junctions.
ABC also said drivers used to coming up the hill may bypass the new layout by continuing under the bridge via The Cut underpass instead.
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: ‘The Department has been in regular discussions with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council as they introduce a new road layout to Downshire Bridge as part of their Public Realm works for Banbridge.
"These changes to prioritise pedestrians, were as a result of the Council’s extensive consultations with user groups representing the most vulnerable users. The introduction of two zebra crossings, and with priority given to pedestrians at the top of the slip roads, makes the entire area safer and more accessible, including for disabled users in particular.
“New road layout signage has been put in place to make drivers aware of the changes and to remind them to approach with caution until users become familiar with the new layout. These changes will improve traffic flow and make the area safer for everyone.”