RESIDENTS and local reps have raised concerns over speeding on the Whiterock Road with calls for traffic-calming measures to protect children and locals.
Concerns have been raised about vehicles travelling along the Whiterock Road as they enter Dermott Hill and the Mountain Loney.
The issue has been highlighted by residents and users of Newhill Youth and Community Centre, with particular concern around the number of children and young people using the area every day.
Newhill Youth and Community Centre and First Steps Daycare are both located in the area, meaning children, parents and families are regularly crossing and walking along the road.
West Belfast MLA Aisling Reilly, alongside councillors Róis-Máire Donnelly and Micheal Donnelly, has written to the Department for Infrastructure raising the concerns and calling for the road to be properly assessed.
The Sinn Féin MLA said: “The concerns being raised by residents and the team at Newhill are serious.
“This is a busy residential area, with children and young people using the youth centre, First Steps Daycare and other facilities every single day. The last thing they should have to worry about is vehicles flying along the road.
“There is a clear need for DfI to look at this stretch of the Whiterock Road and consider what traffic-calming measures can be introduced to slow vehicles down and make it safer for pedestrians.
“Micheal, Róis-Máire and I have already written to DfI on this issue, and we will continue to push for a response and action.
“We cannot wait until there is a serious incident before something is done. Residents have raised a legitimate concern about road safety, and their concerns need to be listened to.”
