SDLP Northland Councillor John Boyle has said the installation of a traffic island near the junction of Northland Road and Springtown Industrial Estate in time for the start of the new school term is very timely but it also further highlights the on-going difficulties for traffic and pedestrians along the entire stretch of the road as far as the Branch Roundabout.

He said: "This latest effort by Roads Service to address safety concerns on the Northland Road is very welcome and a traffic island will, no doubt, make it easier for pedestrians to get to and from school safely.

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"This section of the Northland Road has been a major concern for parents and school children for many years as the volume of traffic has steadily increased. Whilst it is welcome it still doesn't go anywhere near far enough to addressing other issues on the Northland Road.

"The SDLP has been engaging with Road Service for a number of years in our continuing efforts to encourage Roads Service to address the severe problems motorists experience when trying to access the Northland Road from the Springtown Road at Foyle Springs. Recent contact from the Roads Minister, Danny Kennedy, suggested that this junction would become a priority in the near future and we expect the Minister and his Department to make good on their promises."

(CD)