Calls grow for improved signage as HGVs cause chaos in Leitrim town

Recent incidents of obstruction and disruption in Carrick-on-Shannon, caused by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) entering the town centre, have led to calls for improved signage.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds proposed that Leitrim County Council take “immediate steps” to improve communication with HGV drivers, ensuring they are clearly directed to avoid travelling through Carrick-on-Shannon from the R280.

“In the last couple of months there've been a few cases of lorries making a mistake of coming into the town when they weren’t hoping to,” Cllr Reynolds said.

She pointed out that when drivers approach via the regional road, signs directing them towards Sligo and Dublin appear only after they have committed to a lane. 

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If they are in the wrong lane at that point, they are forced to go through the town.

In response, the Council’s Active Travel department stated that signage is in place at both Kiltoghert and Castlecara junctions, directing HGVs to the N4 route.

It also noted that there are currently no legal restrictions preventing HGVs from using the R280 to access Carrick-on-Shannon town centre.

This will remain in place to allow for essential deliveries to businesses in the town.

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“We need to get word out to the HGV companies to avoid Carrick-on-Shannon if possible,” commented Cllr Cormac Flynn.