Pedestrian crossings debate in west Mayo town

A DEBATE over pedestrian crossings in Westport and what will work in the town is underway at municipal district level.

Councillor Peter Flynn has asked about trialling a more standard solution to the courtesy crossings that exist and for the council to talk to TII about funding.

Existing crossings are showing signs of localised failures and are tricky and expensive to replace, with road closure needed for them to bed in and be able to take traffic, municipal head Padraic Walsh explained.

The option of coloured tarmacadam was cheaper but there are issues of aesthetics and having a lot of flashing lights on the one vista.

Councillor Flynn asked that proposals be drawn up and even trial just one crossing.

“We need a long-term solution,” he said. The crossings aren't working for pedestrians or motorists.

They needed to think about where crossings are placed and the types of crossings installed.