‘Only a matter of time’: urgent action urged over speeding fears in Moorfields

Ulster Unionist Party Braid representative Samantha Patton

Residents’ fears over speeding through Moorfields have prompted calls for increased police enforcement and an urgent review of road safety measures amid warnings that someone could be seriously injured or killed.

Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr and party representative Sam Patton raised the issue after concerns were brought to them by a resident living on Kilgad Road.

The resident reported vehicles travelling at excessive speeds along Moorfields Road before exiting onto Kilgad Road, with particular concern about the potential danger to pedestrians, children and vehicles emerging from junctions and driveways.

Concerns increase during school term

The junction is used by traffic travelling to and from Larne and towards Kells, while the area becomes particularly busy during school terms when school traffic coincides with pupils travelling on foot.

A 20mph speed restriction operates around the local primary school at the beginning and end of the school day, but concerns have been raised that some motorists may not be observing the limit.

Mr Barr and Ms Patton said:

“Speed limits are not advisory. In this rural area with many junctions off the one main road in close proximity, the potential for an accident is increased.

“A child stepping out, a car pulling from a driveway, a pedestrian crossing or a tractor coming out onto the road are all possible in this area. It’s essential that drivers adhere to the speed limits.”

They also highlighted the character of the road itself, saying wide and relatively straight sections can give motorists a false sense of safety and encourage higher speeds.

PSNI enforcement and DfI review sought

Ms Patton said requests have now been made for increased PSNI enforcement and the deployment of a Speed Indicator Device to address residents’ concerns.

The representatives are also pressing the Department for Infrastructure to carry out an urgent review of existing traffic-calming measures.

Their requests include increased anti-speeding enforcement by the PSNI, a review of existing traffic-calming measures by DfI, and Speed Indicator Devices outside the local primary school and on Kilgad Road.

The pair stressed that the purpose of the measures would be to encourage safer driving rather than simply penalise motorists.

“This isn’t about penalising drivers,” they said. “It’s about ensuring the safety of all road users.

“The statistics on road fatalities are staggering and difficult to comprehend. We all need to re-evaluate our speed and overall behaviour on the roads to prioritise everyone’s safety.”

The calls now place the focus on the PSNI and Department for Infrastructure to consider whether additional enforcement or road-safety measures are warranted, while motorists using Moorfields and Kilgad Road are being urged to observe the existing limits and take particular care around the school and the area’s numerous junctions.