Problematic traffic lights on Gilford’s main street have been operating inconsistently for months, leading local councillors to ask for a “permanent” solution to the “constant” problems at the location.
Issues with the lights – which accompany a pedestrian crossing – were first noticed by a local resident on October 27.
Posting an update a week later on November 3 via the Gilford Residents’ Association Facebook page, with video and photo proof, the disgruntled local said the lights were still not working.
He asked: “Are small towns and villages not as important as larger towns when a problem occurs concerning traffic lights not working? Is the DFI (Department For Infrastructure) so understaffed that they cannot send their workers out to fix this ongoing problem?
“Children are back to school after being off for Hallowe’en. They have to cross the busy road without working traffic lights to see them across safely. The public have to cross the road to get buses to Portadown and Lurgan and Tandragee and Banbridge from either sides of the road.
“The public, especially older people, have to cross the road to get to the chemist to collect their prescriptions and to go to Gilford Health Centre for their doctors and nurse appointments etc. It is not safe to do so.”
The lights sit directly opposite the town’s only pharmacy, Parkes Chemist, and at the time both lanes of traffic were affected and the button panels were also inactive.
Continuing, the resident said: “It is not even safe if a person in a vehicle stops to let you cross the road through the kindness of their heart thinking they are doing a good deed, as you still have to cross the second lane of traffic coming from the opposite direction.
“…You may get hit by oncoming traffic as they will NOT STOP if they can’t see working traffic lights telling them to stop when to do so. Can someone higher up the ladder not red flag this and get the reoccurring problem fixed ASAP before someone is seriously injured or killed?”
DUP Councillor for Banbridge, Ian Wilson commented on the frequency of the issue at this location, saying: “The constant problem with the traffic lights at the pedestrian crossing in Gilford is totally unacceptable. Nearly every week there is a fault, ether in one set or both.
“I have reported the issue to DFI and have stressed my concerns that this is an ongoing problem and a permanent fix needs to be done. We are now into the dark nights, and pedestrians in Gilford should have a safe place to cross the road.”
Armagh I contacted DfI for comment and a spokesperson advised that the lights had been repaired on Tuesday, November 4.
Thankfully, Councillor Kevin Savage has now confirmed that a permanent fix is in the ether.
By way of an update on the situation, he said: “There has been a lot of concern recently about the traffic lights located at Mill Street Gilford and the frequency with which the have malfunctioned in recent years.
“I have engaged with Roads Service about this and am pleased to confirm as per below the crossing will be upgraded before the end of March 2026 (hopefully sooner).”
In correspondence received by the Councillor, Roads Service said: “We are aware of the recurring issues at this location, which are due to aging infrastructure that has now reached the end of its serviceable life.
“Plans are in place to upgrade the existing installation to a new puffin crossing within the current financial year. The upgrade will provide improved reliability and enhanced safety for both pedestrians and road users.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by residents and will aim to commence the upgrade works as soon as possible.”
