The SDLP has hit out at the vandalism and removal of traffic management signage in the Upper Hazelbank area.
Multiple signs indicating that motorist should give way to oncoming vehicles have been repeatedly removed at bot Hawthorn Drive and Ringfort Road areas of the city.
Said Foyleside Councillor Shauna Cusack: “The repeat damage and theft of signage is completely unacceptable and counterproductive to safety in the area.
“These are busy residential streets, home to many young families. The signage is in place to ensure their safety and that of all road users.
“It’s ridiculous that vandals continue to remove vital signage; signs above Hawthorn Drive along the Springtown Road have been stolen twice in as many months.
“This is an incredibly dangerous area leading onto a rural road without any lighting but remains popular with dogwalkers and runners.
“It is a very dark road, particularly now coming into the winter evenings and for any motorist unfamiliar with the area it would be very difficult to see the island in the road until the very last moment. The oncoming traffic signage is crucial and its absence could cost someone their life.”
Added Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan: “It’s disgraceful that signage in the Upper Hazelbank areas continues to be targeted by vandals.
“I commend DfI Roads for their action to replace some of this infrastructure, especially at a time when the department is under extreme budgetary pressure.
“Every sign DfI have to replace is a few more potholes that can’t be filled.
“Whoever is behind this wanton destruction has complete disregard for the safety of the local community, their actions are having a knock-on impact on the wider issue of road safety.
“The whole situation beggars belief.
“I would urge any witnesses to incidents related to this vandalism to come forward and help to ensure these roads remain safe.”
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