Speeding concerns outside Aughnacloy Primary School have prompted a multi-agency meeting aimed at drawing up a “robust action plan” to improve road safety for pupils, parents and staff.
Stakeholders from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the Education Authority and the PSNI met on-site at the school following concerns about vehicles – particularly lorries – travelling past with “little regard” for the flashing 20mph signs during school drop-off times.
The meeting, convened by Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA and attended by Cllr Meta Graham, the school principal and members of the Board of Governors, examined traffic flows at the entrance and surrounding area.
Speaking after the visit, Ms Armstrong said they had been able to see the problems “first-hand”.
“We saw first-hand the traffic issues faced by parents leaving their children off at school, particularly the lorries hurtling past with little regard for the flashing 20mph speed signs,” she said.
“I raised this directly with DfI and the Education Authority and a number of action points were agreed, including the consideration of a walkway at the entrance to the bus and school car park.
“It was encouraging to have all relevant stakeholders around the table and I am very pleased with the positive outcomes achieved.
“I would like to thank all who responded to my request for this meeting to take place and I trust it has provided a robust action plan going forward. The safety of pupils, parents and staff must always come first, and I am determined to see meaningful improvements made.”
DfI, the Education Authority and PSNI representatives are expected to now consider the agreed actions and report back on potential measures to enhance safety at the school gates.
