A1 death trap crossing gaps must be closed immediately - Parsley

1.40.00pm GMT Mon 19th Mar 2007

Alliance Party Youth Affairs Spokesperson Ian James Parsley

Alliance Party Youth Affairs Spokesperson Ian James Parsley has demanded that right-turn crossing gaps on the Belfast-Dublin road be closed immediately to prevent further fatalities.

The North Down Councillor and long-time road safety campaigner stated: "It is an abomination that crossing gaps in the media to allow right turns continue to exist. How many more casualties will it take for the authorities to recognise they must be closed off immediately?

"The A1 is the most dangerous dual carriageway we have, and casualties almost without exception occur where traffic is turning right. This problem has been recognised, as now bridges are being built at some locations to remove the need for gaps. However, far too many unnecessary gaps remain - and it is not an exaggeration to say that each and every one is potentially fatal.

"I myself was forced to brake from 70mph to zero last week when a lorry turned right on to the carriageway in front of me, forcing the car behind to veer across a lane to avoid collision. This potential fatality occurred at a crossing point to allow access to Hillsborough which is totally unnecessary! All traffic there should use the existing roundabout, and all other gaps should be closed immediately.

"There is simply no excuse for the ongoing acceptance of right turns on that road. If that means the road ceases to be all-purpose, so be it. We cannot simply allow death traps like these to remain on our road network in the 21st century."

ENDS