Zebra crossing on Athboy’s Main St would be preferable to current system, cllrs told

Meath County Council has been urged to examine the installation of a zebra style pedestrian crossing in the centre of Athboy to replace the existing push button system.

Cllr Mike Bray tabled a motion on the zebra crossing for Athboy at the April Municipal District meeting and his proposal was passed by the members.

“It is felt by many locals and businesses in Athboy that a zebra style pedestrian crossing would work better as it would improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the centre of town, " said Cllr Bray.

“Most weekdays during rush hour traffic between 4:30pm to 6:30pm there can be long delays in Athboy with tailbacks coming from the Kells Road / Navan end into the town.

“The existing push button pedestrian crossing system can hold traffic up for about 30 seconds each time it is activated when it probably takes most pedestrians only a few seconds to cross the road.

“This issue is well known locally, and I am aware that some pedestrians when crossing in the centre of Athboy don’t press the button as they are aware of the backlog it can contribute to. This in and of itself creates safety issues for pedestrians and shoppers in Athboy crossing the Main Street.

“If a zebra style crossing was installed at the main crossing point in the centre of town this would assist with the traffic flow and backlog problems in Athboy and also allow people to cross the street safely.

“Other factors such as the bus stop and cars coming in and out of parking spaces also contribute to the traffic, but I believe this proposal would go some way to help ease the issue.

“In response to my motion the council advised that it will be considered as part of the Athboy public realm plan over the coming years, however, I have requested it be looked into as soon as possible,” concluded Cllr Bray.