Council to examine Pedestrian Light Timings

Athlone Town Council is to examine the timing of pedestrian lights at Custume Place and The Crescent after the issue was raised by Fine Gael"s Cllr Gabrielle McFadden at the July meeting on Monday evening. When Cllr McFadden raised the issue she was told the timings at these junctions were in line with the standard for pedestrian crossings and any alterations would adversely affect other traffic. However, Cllr McFadden said she had been approached on numerous occasions on this issue and said the Council should do everything it could for people who would have difficulty crossing at this junctions, from people with disabilities, to elderly people and people crossing with children. Cllr Kieran Molloy (FF) said he fully supported Cllr McFadden. Mayor Cooney said he agreed with Cllr McFadden about The Crescent, but felt the timing at Custume Place was sufficient. Town Engineer Alan Kelly explained that the green man on the light lasts for seven seconds, which is when people should begin their crossing, but said they could continue to cross while the amber man was displayed. He said this should facilitated even the slowest walker, but said he would meet Michael Duffy from the Guide Dogs for the Blind again to discuss the issue. Cllr Sheila Buckley Byrne said it was very difficult to cross at The Crescent junction and asked that the sequencing be examined. Mr Kelly said he would meet Michael Duffy, but said if pedestrians were given additional time to cross the road it would impact on drivers.