'Bring back the Safe Cross Code'

Nenagh's newly-introduced one-way traffic system is working well, though people need to familiarise themselves with the ‘Safe Cross Code’ in order to use the pedestrian crossings. District Engineer Barry Murphy told last week's meeting of Nenagh Municipal District that the new system has proven successful, with traffic flowing through the town a lot better than before. The feedback has been “very positive”, he reported.

Cllr Séamie Morris said there have nevertheless been a few minor accidents and he urged drivers to slow down in the town. He said there is also a problem of pedestrians using the new crossings without waiting for motorists to stop. Cllr Morris also observed that some buses and have been travelling up Sarsfield St and not paying heed to the weight restriction signage.

But overall he agreed that the new system is working. The flow of traffic has improved and, with a few further minor changes, the system would prove positive, Cllr Morris believed.

Cllr Michael O'Meara said the removal of the traffic lights has proven a major benefit. But he was also of the view that pedestrians are not using the crossings correctly and he suggested that the ‘Safe Cross Code’, which was taught in schools in the 1970s and '80s, could be used to educate people again. Cllr O'Meara said pedestrians are supposed to stop, put a foot on the crossing to indicate their intention to cross, and wait for the traffic stop before crossing. Knowing this might prevent a serious accident from happening in Nenagh, he said.

Cllr Ger Darcy agreed that the one-way system is working well and he praised the council staff for guiding motorists and pedestrians at the junctions in the first few days of its operation.

He also raised a query in relation to the pedestrian crossings, which he said are located very close to the junctions. Motorists in some cases come around a corner to unexpectedly find people walking out in front of them, he said.

'EDUCATIONAL PROCESS'

Also voicing support of an "educational process with regard to pedestrian crossings" was Cllr Joe Hannigan. He concurred that pedestrians should put their foot on the crossing and wait for traffic to stop before proceeding; they should also not cross the road within 10m of the crossing itself. Motorists can be on their phones and "not as alert as they might be", so there is a danger around incorrect use of the crossings, Cllr Hannigan said.

But he was also positive about the overall impact of Nenagh's one-way system, saying the flow of traffic through the town now is "amazing".

Cllr Hughie McGrath had observed some vehicles mounting footpath edges, while he agreed that there is confusion over the weight restriction on Sarsfield St. There are still some issues to sort out, "but people are starting to settle to it", Cllr McGrath said. He took the opportunity to look for a raised pedestrian crossing, similar to those in the town centre, at Brooklands Drive.

District Director Liam Brett thanked the councillors for the information they imparted to people about the one-way system, which he confirmed has led to improved traffic flow and an enhanced pedestrian environment in Nenagh.

"Any change causes anxiety and fear; you combat that with education," Mr Brett said. He added that new centre islands would be installed at the junctions over the coming days.

Mr Murphy said a lot of work has gone into the new system and that should be acknowledged. He agreed that "people have forgotten how to cross a road - it would be a great idea to bring back the Safe Cross Code... a little bit of education goes a long way."

He made the point that pedestrians are sometimes "loitering" at the sides of crossings without actually crossing. This also presents a difficulty for motorists.

Cllr Hannigan suggested that the council could start by rolling out an education initiative in local schools.