Bus stop on Laois road in urgent need of pedestrian crossing
Image for illustration purposes
SAFETY concerns have been raised owing to the lack of public use of a pedestrian crossing on Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, with most pedestrians opting to run across the busy road between the two bus stops rather than trek down to the official crossing.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan raised the issue at the latest meeting of Portlaoise municipal district, where he urged Laois Co Council to install an additional pedestrian crossing where the two bus stops currently face each other.
The response from a council representative was: “An assessment of active travel services is being prepared and this will be used to inform future upgrades to the network, including pedestrian crossing lines in key places. The area office will arrange to meet the councillor on site.” In making his case for the motion, Cllr Mulligan highlighted that while the bus service has been fantastic for the town, it had also given rise to some safety concerns on Mountrath Road. At the bus stops in question, with both stops facing each other across the street, people often simply ignore the pedestrian crossing further down the road and run across traffic to reach the corresponding bus stop.
He said: “And there are a number of complaints from passers-by and motorists and residents there and just a huge fear that people will get knocked down as they are crossing. And I’m glad to hear the council are going to review the situation.” In addition, the councillor added that he would like to see the existing 60km speed limit at the Maryborough section of road lowered as it was “vital” for safety on the road.
The motion was seconded by cathaoirleach Barry Walsh, who urged that any planned crossing be a regulated one â with lights â as there are many children in the area.
