Louth County Council has agreed to install zebra crossings at the Beechgrove roundabout following a motion proposed by Labour Councillor Pio Smith.
The roundabout at Beechgrove has proved beneficial to facilitating traffic movements but a major flaw in its design is that it is very difficult for pedestrians and people with disabilities to cross safely through the junction according to Cllr Pio Smith.
“Many people have over the years expressed to me their concern and nervousness when they attempt to cross through the roundabout particularly at peak times” Cllr Smith said.
“The speed and volume of cars can be intimidating for children, senior citizens and for people with disabilities.
Clllr. Smith a motion down at the April Drogheda Borough District meeting asking the Local Authority to install pedestrian crossings at the Boyle O Reilly side of the Beechgrove Roundabout and at a suitable location on the Ballymakenny Road in order to facilitate safe travel for pedestrians in the area.
In their reply the council stated that the presence of dropped kerbs at locations along the route referenced, along with a central refuge island on the Ballymakenny Road, may facilitate an upgrade to Zebra crossings at said locations and accordingly, subject to an assessment of the appropriate data, the provision of Zebra crossings under Low-Cost Safety Funding 2025 will be considered.
“Zebra crossings are cheap and easy to implement” Cllr Smith said. “There is no need for traffic lights. The rules of the road state that motorists must give way when someone has moved onto a crossing. In contrast Pelican crossings are more expensive and do require traffic lights.
“The installation of new Zebra crossings will be a positive development for the Ballymakenny Road and Boyle O Reilly sides of the Beechgrove Roundabout and will enable safe passage across both roads.”
