“Act now – not after a tragedy”: Councillor Alan Barr warns over Carnlough Road safety

Councillor Alan Barr during a site visit to Carnlough Road, Broughshane, where there are community concerns over the speed of vehicles.

Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr has called for urgent action to address serious road safety concerns on the Carnlough Road, Broughshane, following repeated complaints from residents about speeding vehicles and unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

The stretch of road, located just outside the 30mph zone, currently carries a 60mph speed limit — a limit that many local people have described as “completely inappropriate,” particularly given the number of new houses that have been built in recent years.

Councillor Barr said:

“Residents have approached me deeply concerned about the speeds some motorists and motorcyclists are travelling at on the Carnlough Road. The danger is increased as people, including children, have to walk on the road due to overgrown hedges.

“I fear that someone will be seriously injured or worse. I believe that the current 60 MPH limit is far too high for the area. Statutory agencies must act now – not after a tragedy.”

As immediate safety measures, Councillor Barr has formally requested that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) trim back the hedges to improve pedestrian access along the footpath, that police increase speed monitoring, and that a Speed Indication Device (SID) be installed on the road.

He has also urged residents to report incidents of speeding directly to police, explaining that any decision to reduce the speed limit will be based on evidence gathered through such reports.

“As improving safety is one of my priorities for Braid,” Councillor Barr added, “I will ensure that the campaign to reduce the speed limit on this stretch of road will be at the top of my list in the coming months.”

Residents say the issue has become more pressing as housing development continues in the area, increasing pedestrian use and vehicle movements.

Locals have expressed frustration that the road’s national speed limit has not been reviewed despite these changes.

Councillor Barr’s intervention comes amid growing concern across rural parts of Mid and East Antrim about road safety in residential and semi-rural areas where development has outpaced infrastructure adjustments.