Survey logs ‘insane speeds’ along Lough Atalia Road

Pedestrian safety group Cosáin carried out speed checks on the road on Monday afternoon, and clocked speeds of up to 99km/h in what is a 50km/h zone.

The group described the speeds as “insane” for a residential street.

Spot checks of speed around lunchtime found numerous motorists driving at 70-80 km/h.

In the space of five minutes just after 2pm, two cars were observed travelling at nearly 100 km/h, which is the speed limit on national roads, including dual carriageways.

“Other notable occurrences included a fuel tanker and a double-decker bus travelling at just over 70 km/h and a van weaving across lanes at 80 km/h in traffic.

“The extreme speeds are insane and totally unacceptable on an urban residential road.

"As well as cyclists and pedestrians passing through, there are also elderly people living on this road, some of them with reduced mobility. It is appalling that they can't even cross the road safely to get to the bus stop.

"These dangerous conditions for pedestrians and bus users are a direct result of converting Lough Atalia Road to a two-lane one-way system, which effectively makes it a dual carriageway in all but name," a Cosáin spokesperson said.

The group said speeding is also dangerous for residents exiting their driveways, some of who, have no choice but to reverse onto the road.

“The problem has arisen because two-lane one-way street systems enable faster traffic flow, and when there are no restrictions such as traffic congestion, traffic calming measures, fixed speed cameras or frequent enforcement, some motorists feel free to drive at speeds well in excess of the 50km/h limit,” the spokesperson said.

The group previously issued a warning about the level of speed on the road, which prompted road engineers to issue a warning notice to motorists of the speed limit.

"The reminders are obviously not having the desired effect, which is hardly surprising. Asking nicely does not work. The only way to curb the speeding is with engineering and enforcement."

"There is evidence that some enforcement has occurred, but it is clearly not enough. Otherwise nothing has been put in place that would prevent motorists from driving as fast as they please," the spokesperson said.