TWO local councillors, Paddy McGowan and Pat McDonnell, have complained that changes to traffic management in Omagh are causing more problems than they resolve.
Town councillor Paddy McGowan, has lambasted as 'folly' the decision to place a new light controlled pedestrian crossing between Omagh College and the bus depot, approximately 60 feet away from the traffic lights at the junction with Bridge Street and Sedan and Drumragh Avenues.
Cllr McGowan said that the idea was 'so stupid' that tourists would be coming to see it. He suggested that it would also cause new difficulties for buses exiting from the depot onto Bridge Street.
Describing the traffic management as Omagh's Beecher's Brook, he said that the idea had plumbed new depths in 'Crazy Road Service ideas'.
"They would do that but they won't put a pedestrian crossing at the Sacred Heart Church where many people want and need it, especially elderly people going to and from Mass."
He added, "Roads Service must be getting ready for April Fool's Day. I have had a lot of complaints about it from the bus drivers and management."
West Tyrone councillor Pat McDonnell, said that the replacement of traffic wardens with NCP staff had compounded the problem of buses leaving the depot at Bridge Street.
"Previously, traffic wardens directed the buses from the depot and the area could be cleared of the after school rush quite quickly.
"Here we have another outcome of the decision to go private and supply traffic wardens through NCP.
"The red coats are only interested in entrapping visiting motorists for the profit of their company."
Cllr McDonnell added, "I have contacted the PSNI, the WELB, and Roads Service on this matter. If we do not get an early solution there will have to be massive re-arrangement of school to home transport.
"It is far from satisfactory to have children waiting around the towns and villages and at other rural stops late in the afternoon.
"This is another demonstration of the folly of allowing the supply of public services to become a source of private profit."
In relation to the traffic lights issue, a Roads Services spokesman commented, "We are very aware of the hazardous crossing movement students attending Omagh College need to make daily when arriving at and leaving the college, particularly from the Translink depot.
"A survey was therefore undertaken to assess the traffic and pedestrian volume and to determine the need for a crossing at the site. On completion of the survey it was quite clear that the site required a controlled crossing facility."
He continued, "A zebra crossing, similar to the one already in place at the exit from Drumragh Avenue car park, was initially considered to cater for this movement.
"However, it was decided that this would lead to considerable delays and traffic queues within the town centre and Drumragh Avenue car park exit road, particularly at peak times.
"On researching the technology used to control the signals, it became evident that it would be possible to incorporate a dedicated crossing facility linked directly to the pedestrian crossing phase at the adjacent County Hall Traffic signals.
By controlling when the crossing could be called up by pedestrians the traffic movement through the traffic signals could still be maximised.
"The crossing can therefore only operate for pedestrians when the traffic signals at County hall are at a Red signal for the approach from Bridge Street.
"The crossing will become operative from Friday 30 March and Road Service would like to advise motorist to approach the site with care paying particular attention to the new signals and Road markings."
