Speeding detection van considered at Crookedwood

“There is a real issue there,” Cllr Emily Wallace told the executive of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad at the February meeting, as she spoke on her motion calling on the district to carry out works on the R394 to slow down traffic travelling through Crookedwood.

“Unfortunately the current safety measure has failed to have any impact on speed at this location,” she said.

Replying, the executive said that there is a 50kmh speed limit in Crookedwood and there are vehicle activated electronic flashing signs on both R394 approaches.

The executive went on to explain that while road markings have recently been renewed following resurfacing of the R394, there are no plans for further works at that location at this time.

“However,” the reply continued, “work has commenced on the drafting and preparation of a countywide traffic calming policy.

“This will provide for a suite of prioritised speed reduction and traffic calming measures to be first considered, in particular circumstances, with an emphasis on the safety of pedestrians and vulnerable road users in accordance with the relevant guidelines. The location as identified will be reconsidered again in the context of the finalised policy.”

Cllr Paddy Hill supported Cllr Wallace’s motion, saying that speed is also an issue at Whitehall and at Taughmon, and the efforts to counter it left something to be desired. He wondered could the use of a speed van be considered, a point with which Cllr Wallace agreed.