Cars speeding and overtaking dangerously in Laois village, meeting told

Vehicles are dangerously overtaking within the speed limit in one Laois village, a council meeting has heard. 

Fianna Fail Councillor Padraig Fleming made the comments at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. 

He asked in a motion “that Laois County Council along with the TII provide traffic calming measures and solutions for Arles village.”

In a written response read by Philip McVeigh, Paul McLoughlin, S.E., Roads stated that:  “Following consultation between Laois County Council and the TII Road Safety Section a comprehensive review and assessment of options will be undertaken throughout the extent of the speed limit within the village for the provision of road safety and traffic calming measures.”

Welcoming the response, Cllr Fleming said he was looking forward to work progressing in the village. 

“I am glad at least the TII(Transport Infrastructure Ireland) are now engaging on Arles village with the council,” he remarked.

“I hope it won’t take too long for this consultation to take place and review all the actions,” he said.  He said there was a particular need for action at the pedestrian crossing. 

“There is no slow down of traffic whatsoever by lots of people. Vehicles are now passing each other in the village within the speed limit and it is very dangerous. I have witnessed that myself,” said Cllr Fleming.  

“There is already a 50km speed limit sign, a 60 and there is also a digital speed that tells you the speed. I witnessed a couple of months ago a car doing 96 on the digital signal,” he revealed. 

He expressed his hope that a comprehensive plan for the village will be completed in the coming months.    

“There was also a very serious accident there a few months ago,” Cllr Fleming said. 

“I hope the report will reflect what the people want in the village,” he remarked. 

Fear of road deaths over cars speeding through Laois village

He said there is no space on the road when two lorries meet. Although it’s generally not policy on national roads, Cllr Fleming said “maybe ramps” could be a solution for the village. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins said traffic calming measures are urgently needed in Arles. He said any review or assessment would confirm the need for measures.