Published: Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 5:15pm

Traffic survey not enough to calm Coosan traffic

Athlone Town councillors voted to overrule the conclusions of a traffic survey carried out on the Coosan Road at The Beeches, and instead insisted that traffic calming measures be included in next year's budget.

Based on the results of a survey, the town engineer ruled that traffic calming measures were not required on the Coosan Road at The Beeches.

Alan Kelly said that the survey was carried out on April 23 covering two periods around 8.45am and 3.40pm. Council staff also measured the speed of traffic on the road on a separate date. They measured 100 vehicles in both directions.

Mr Kelly said that cars were generally driving slow enough to stop safely if needed before that junction. He said the average speed northbound was 50km/hr and so needed a 70m stopping distance. From the point they were measuring, the car had 80m stopping distance. Southbound, the average speed was 60km/hr and a 100m stopping distance was needed. The distance available was 110m.

"We're not aware there is accident history at the junction," he added. The survey also found that at most, vehicles were waiting 30 seconds to exit the junction.

Cllr Gabrielle McFadden said she was disappointed with the results.

"The day you came out with me we were nearly blown off the road," she told Mr Kelly. "People are not concerned about waiting times, they are concerned they'll be hit coming out of The Beeches."

Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that while he accepted the findings of the survey, people were still ringing to complain about the junction.

"If one person sticks their nose out too much, they're gone. This is an area where traffic calming measures need to be looked at. I know this area. I think we as members should overturn the decision and put traffic calming at the junction next year. At the budget meeting we should put necessary funds aside for the traffic management we need."

"I carried out the speed survey myself, it's very representative," Mr Kelly told the councillors. "The speeds were taken at the worst case scenario."

"On a localised issue, you do need to consult residents," said Cllr Alan Shaw, who supported Cllr Moran's call to look at the introduction of traffic calming measures. Cllr Mc Fadden also supported Cllr Moran's motion. Cllr Kieran Molloy pointed out that if motorists were speeding, then that was a garda issue.

Mayor Sheila Buckley Byrne said that there were three areas where councillors wanted traffic calming introduced urgently; The Beeches, St Ann's and St Paul's, while Magazine Road and Assumption Road were also a concern. She asked could the council look at costs for the September meeting.

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