ROADS Service are implementing further measures on the A4 dual carriageway, near Dungannon, to help prevent "wrong way" driving.
Since the A4 dual carriageway, between the M1 motorway and Ballygawley, opened in November 2010 there have been over 20 reports of vehicles travelling in the wrong direction towards oncoming traffic.
In September 2011, Roads Service provided enhanced signage at all junctions to raise driver awareness on the approaches to the A4, in order to reduce the number of incidences of 'wrong way' travelling.
However, some drivers continue to ignore the signage and drive the 'wrong way' on the dual carriageway.
Safety Audits and design checks undertaken prior to the road opening confirmed the A4 meets the requirements of the relevant design criteria and traffic signs regulations.
Roads Service is currently implementing further measures, including additional signs, white lining and coning to help reduce the number of incidences.
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is an extremely serious matter. Despite additional 'No Entry' and 'Left Turn Only,' signage, some drivers are continuing to ignore the signs and are travelling the A4 in the wrong direction. These actions are highly dangerous and could have grave consequences.
"It is absolutely essential drivers pay attention to the roads signage at junctions when joining the new A4 dual carriageway."
The Minister added: "Drivers must not rely on previous journey habits in the vicinity the A4 before the new road improvements. Nor should they rely on Sat Nav's that have not been updated to reflect the new road layout.
"The simple rule to remember is: right turns onto the dual carriageway, are prohibited at all junctions."
Roads Service said it will will continue to monitor the situation.
The A4 dual carriageway opened to traffic in November 2010. Currently it carries approximately 20,000 vehicles per day at its eastern end (near M1) and around 16,000 vehicles per day at Ballygawley.
There are 16 junctions where motorists can enter/exit the dual carriageway. Right turning onto the new carriageway is prohibited at all of these junctions.
One incident has resulted in an injury accident and PSNI are investigating the matter.
Ulster Unionist party leader, Tom Elliott MLA who uses the A4 road nearly every day, has welcomed the announcement by Roads Service.
Tom told the Courier: "A number of incidents have occurred in recent months and it is only by the grace of God that we had no fatalities, but certainly had a number of near misses when vehicles were travelling on the A4 in the wrong direction .
"Since the new road opened in November 2010, many motorists have seen the benefit of the new road, but everyone should be aware that that there are no right turns on the dual carriageway and should pay particular attention when entering or exiting the A4.
"I am also concerned about the state of many of the minor roads leading unto the new A4 and I would urge Roads Service to bring them up to the necessary standard.
"I have also been made aware by many residents who live on these minor roads of the number of heavy vehicles which use these minor roads which are totally unsuitable for these heavy articulated vehicles which are nearly the full width of these minor roads."
Clogher Valley Sinn Fein Councillor Sean McGuigan has welcomed the news that new measures are being introduced to stop motorists driving the wrong way on the A4 dual carriageway.
However, he was critical of the state of some of the minor roads in the Dungannon Council area.
He told the Courier: "We are all aware of the significant number of incidents that have occurred involving vehicles that have entered the carriageway and travelled in the wrong direction. Therefore the new measures, which include additional signs, white lines and coning, all will contribute to the safety of all the road users on this strategic road network.
"At present an increasing number of minor roads are getting into a very poor state of repairs for many reasons. More and more people are complaining about the number of potholes that have caused a range of damage to tyres and in a couple of instances to the vehicle concerned. It is important that members of the public inform DSD Roads Service of these as soon as possible."
Source:Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 25th January 2012
