Concerned and frustrated parents are “begging for help before a tragedy occurs” on a busy and “dangerous” road outside a Banbridge primary school.
The Ballydown Primary School sits on the corner of a crossroad junction between the Castlewellan Road and Lisnaree Road which is also just metres away from a sweeping bend.
Both roads are 60mph speed limit zones with the Castlewellan Road displaying an unbroken, double, white central line indicating no overtaking due to restricted visibility.
Stopping is also prohibited on any length of road that has double white lines, even if the line on that side of the road is broken. The exceptions are stopping to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload.
However, taking to social media to air her frustration, Ingrid Graham – a parent of a Ballydown pupil – said of the traffic chaos developing in the area: “School pick-up is stressful at the best of times, but this situation goes far beyond stress.”
In a caption accompanying a video shared by Ingrid – that has now amassed over 1.6 million views – of cars lined back along the road, parked on either side and general congestion, she added: “Can you believe this is a 60mph road beside a primary school in Banbridge? During school pick-up, drivers routinely ignore the solid DOUBLE white line, creating extremely dangerous conditions.
“Parents are constantly forced to battle reckless and ignorant drivers, including large lorries and vans. We are shouted at and pressured to reverse back into the school entrance to allow traffic through, even though, as you can clearly see, vehicles are driving directly towards us. It is absolutely terrifying.”
Despite 23 years of the school “repeatedly” trying to find a solution, she claims they are being “ignored”.
Stressing the urgency in finding a resolution, she said: “It is only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured or killed.”
Speaking to Armagh I following a meeting with the school, Ingrid said several possible fixes had been discussed, but none are entirely suitable. And, she was keen to stress that none of the blame lay with Ballydown Primary School, whom she argues have done all they can but are “constantly knocked back” with “no after no” to every given suggestion.
Potential Fixes
One alternative put forward by the school is for parents is to park at a nearby church and walk the four minute distance. However, this would mean taking children as young as four-years-old along a very narrow footpath at the edge of a 60mph road before having to cross said road at a crossroads junction with no suitable crossing or traffic calming measures. This she says, “is just not safe”.
They also discussed staggered pick-up times, which again, leave much to be desired given that some children would be made to miss out on hours of weekly learning to enable early collections. Parents with multiple children of different ages at the school would also have to occupy spaces for much longer if they needed to wait for additional siblings.
Another solution is to hire an external traffic management company which Ingrid said could “massively improve the flow of traffic”. However, she has been led to believe that this avenue has already been exhausted with the Education Authority to no avail.
There have been countless other potential safety improvements explored by the school – and even local businesses who wish to support the cause – including providing crash barriers and temporary speed reduction signage on the Castlewellan Road for school drop off and pick-up times… none of which have come to fruition.
Frustrations and Concerns
Sharing Ingrid’s video and statement, another parent of a child at the school continued: “This is the craziness that’s happening at our school on a daily basis.. it’s frightening for our kids and us as parents .. as there is someone going to be seriously injured if not killed!
“We need support and to stand for the safety of our babies.. something needs to be done and done ASAP! Councillors are on the case at the minute so praying they get something done about this outrageous behaviour.”
Calling for additional action, another person suggested setting up a petition, commenting: “…every single parent will sign it, the neighbours will sign it. Get the regular road users to sign it a few mornings they will all want to sign it to change this situation to make it safer and much more efficient. Take the issue to your local MLA’s.”
‘Patience and Consideration’
Another point Ingrid wished to stress, was that the “back playground” that had on occasion been utilised by parents for parking is not suitable for the purpose and – as a matter of child safety – should not be used to park. Pupils often use this space for after school clubs and activities and for their protection, the playground should always be clear of moving vehicles.
Regarding parents and those transporting children to and from school, the mum also feels they all have a part to play and should try to be “considerate” of other parents and road users when attending the premises.
To general road users inconvenienced by the current congestion, she asks: “It might be ten, fifteen minutes stuck in traffic but please can we all just be a little more patient and considerate of one another?”
What Local Representatives Say…
In response to the issues raised, Alderman, Glenn Barr has slammed what he has referred to as the Sinn Fein Minister’s “failed priorities” as the Ballydown Primary “chaos deepens”.
He said that despite meetings with the school, DFI, and PSNI, and implementing some measures like no overtaking lines and extra signage, the problems persist.
Referring to Sinn Fein Minister, Michelle O’Neill’s focus on international affairs over local safety, the Alderman said: “She can’t even fix our potholes, let alone sort out traffic at a primary school. While she talks, our kids’ safety is ignored. Action, not words, is needed.
“Parents deserve safe drop-off times. The community demands change.”
Calling for an urgent traffic review, enforcement of rules and support for Ballydown Primary, the Alderman said: “Banbridge won’t be ignored.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Savage also explained to Armagh I that repeated talks had been held for a number of years surrounding safety issues at the location, specifically in regards to speeding.
While these talks proved fruitless, the Cllr did point out that this may indeed be a separate issue relating to the need for improved parking provision and improved enforcement, much like Alderman Barr had said.
The Education Authority and Department for Infrastructure have been contacted for comment.
