Councillors ask HGV Drivers to stop using Ashgrove Road during Roadworks

Newry city Councillors Michael Savage and Gary Stokes have asked HGV drivers to stop using the Ashgrove Road in the city as resurfacing works are carried out on the Belfast Road as they are waking residents at all hours of the night.

Councillor Savage has written to local DFI Roads Traffic Management officials and the PSNI to ensure that diversions in the area which uses the A1 Bypass are enforced with anyone breaching the restrictions held accountable.

Councillor Stokes said: "I have received numerous complaints this week from angry residents of the Ashgrove Road area who are tortured at all hours of the night and the wee hours of the morning with HGV and other heavy lorries using the road as shortcut through Newry to either drop off deliveries or make their way to Warrenpoint Port.

"This road is not designed to carry these vehicles and there is signage up in the area stating this as well as a clearly marked diversion to the port via the A1 bypass.

"I appreciate there is a need for compromise when a much needed and welcome major resurfacing scheme is taking place on a main arterial route into Newry on the Belfast Road but it should not be the residents of Ashgrove Road that pay the price."

Councillor Savage added: "I have written to DFI Roads Service asking for the traffic management system in the area to be enhanced and to the PSNI seeking increased enforcement of the HGV restrictions on Ashgrove Road. I would appeal however to the HGV drivers using this road to stop doing it, think of the residents and allow enough time to use the diversion which should not be that busy late at night or in the early hours of the morning."