Laois County Council redesigning 'dangerous' courtesy crossings

Portlaoise road crossings that have no buttons for pedestrians to stop traffic are to get a safety redesign.

One such crossing at Millview was highlighted by Cllr Tommy Mulligan, when he asked Laois County Council to upgrade such crossings recently.

Cllr Mulligan tabled a motion to the November meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking their road design team to prioritise locations of “uncontrolled courtesy crossings for upgrading”.

“Millview is used a lot, especially by the elderly. At the moment cars speed through they don’t see the crossing. It could be brightened up, and if possible put a raised ramp to slow traffic at the war memorial garden,” he said.

Area engineer Paul McLoughlin said that the council is reviewing their courtesy crossings in Portlaoise. They are assessing their suitability for upgrading on a priority basis to the new Department of Transport Type B or C crossing. 

He said that they believe the new style of crossing, installed on the Abbeyleix Road with fluorescent signage, is the “most suitable model”.

“I will look at other suitable ones in town,” Mr McLoughlin said.

Cllr Willie Aird had said such crossings are dangerous, seconding the motion.

“I consider uncontrolled crossings to be very dangerous and unfair. There are two on the Mountrath road. You get children who are used to crossings and just dash out. Everyone is wrong. Abbeyleix traffic is a lot slower than everywhere else in town. For drivers who are unfamiliar with the town, they need to be addressed. You have schools and houses up there,” he said.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald agreed.

"It's a very serious issue for motorists and pedestrians. Motorists are terrified. Pedestrians can be dressed in dark clothes and go straight across. It's a huge issue," she said.