A MEETING has taken place to discuss ongoing concerns surrounding traffic safety and the need for effective traffic calming measures on the Suffolk Road.
Glen Community Parent and Youth Group met with Department for Infrastructure officials amid growing concerns over speeding vehicles, cars being parked on double yellow lines, restricted visibility and the difficulties faced by pedestrians – particularly children and young people – trying to cross the road safely.
The Lenadoon group has already met with Department officials on three occasions to highlight the growing fears that, without meaningful intervention, the current situation could ultimately result in a serious incident.
Glen Community Complex supports more than 600 people every day through a wide range of services and activities. These include after-school provision, daycare, evening youth provision, women's groups, housing and education initiatives, and environmental programmes.
During this summer a young person attending the Glen Summer Scheme was knocked down while attempting to cross the Suffolk Road.
Paul Niblock from Glen Community Parent and Youth Group said: “We have raised these concerns with Department officials on three separate occasions because we genuinely fear that it is only a matter of time before we see a major incident on the Suffolk Road.
"The recent incident involving a young person from our summer scheme demonstrates that these concerns are very real.
“This is not a new problem. Forty-two years ago local residents were campaigning on exactly the same issue after young people were knocked down. We cannot still be having the same conversation four decades later.
"Generations of local residents have been asking for action to make the road safer. Sadly, those concerns remain just as relevant today.
“Our community complex has more than 600 users every day. Children, young people, families, older residents and community groups all depend on this area. We need action now to make the Suffolk Road safer for everyone.
"The message from the community is clear: We cannot wait for tragedy to strike before action is taken."
West Belfast MLA Órlaithí Flynn MLA said “We need improved road safety measures on this road urgently. We have been campaigning for a pedestrian crossing here for a number of years now and recently secured the installation of the double yellow lines. However, there is still much more to be done here.
“While the islands and double yellow lines are helpful, people aren’t acknowledging either, parking obstructively and running across the road dangerously.
“The Department have said the area remains extremely low on the list for a pedestrian crossing. However, they will discuss other viable options to help improve road safety here following some further assessments of the area.
“We will also be engaging with the PSNI regarding the dangerous speeding along the road. All agencies must work together constructively and soon to resolve the issues here.”
Councillor Siobhán McCallin added: “People need to stop parking on the double yellow lines and speeding along the Suffolk Road, before someone else is seriously injured on this road.
“While we will continue trying to make the road safer here, there’s a major issue when it comes to driver behaviour. Along with additional road safety measures, we need drivers using this road to think and be considerate.”
