Call to have pedestrian crossings raised

A call has been made by Boyle MD chairperson Sean Moylan to have existing pedestrian crossings in Elphin, Keadue, Ballyfarnon and Abbeytown in Boyle raised to the same level as the adjoining footpaths to assist people with mobility issues and the elderly.

The matter was raised at a recent meeting of the municipal district with Cllr Moylan stating: “Bringing crossings up to footpath level will greatly assist people with mobility challenges, wheelchair users, parents with buggies, and older residents in crossing the road safely and independently. In addition raised pedestrian crossings act as effective traffic calming measures, helping to slow down speeding vehicles and improve the overall safety in our towns and villages. This is a practical, inclusive and safety focused improvement that would benefit the entire community.” 

In reply the council stated: “The primary function of a controlled crossing is to provide a safe mechanism for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable road users to cross the street. Controlled crossing points can be at grade or can be a raised crossing. A raised crossing is not necessarily intended as a traffic calming measure as to do so may put pedestrians at greater risk in some situations. 

"All existing locations were chosen based on user needs and some design challenges were presented at each location. Boyle MD and Road Design Safety Section will review the proposals and cost out of the works require at each location.”

Cllr Moylan said he was not happy with the reply and highlighted issues in relation to the four locations.