A MLA has raised concerns over a busy pedestrian crossing in Carryduff, saying school children are "running the gauntlet every day".
South Belfast Alliance MLA, Paula Bradshaw, has called for traffic calming measures on a stretch of the Ballynahinch Road in the area believing that something needs to be done to make it safer for pedestrians.
The call comes after a 14-year-old girl was knocked down at a pedestrian crossing on the road on Tuesday, January 3.
Read more: PSNI appeal after 14-year-old girl 'knocked down' in Carryduff
The MLA says that she has been requesting a site visit at the crossing with the Department for Infrastructure since October 2021 to discuss traffic calming measures and fears there could be a serious injury if something is not done urgently.
South Belfast Alliance MLA, Paula Bradshaw said: “This incident was entirely predictable, and I am just grateful that the injury in question was not worse on this occasion. The speeding on the approach to this built-up area in Carryduff is so dangerous, and the Department for Infrastructure needs to take responsibility before there is a fatality or life-changing injury. Pupils are running the gauntlet every day on this stretch of the Ballynahinch Road.
“I have been requesting a site visit since October 2021 with officials from the Department to discuss traffic calming measures. I hope that this issue will now be addressed with the urgency required, but in the meantime, I urge anyone with information to contact PSNI and wish the young woman involved a speedy recovery.”
The Department for Infrastructure has said that the location is due to be upgraded to a puffin crossing.
A Departmental spokesperson said: “The Department recognises the importance of road safety and we wish the individual involved a speedy recovery.
"This matter is still under investigation by the PSNI, and if any roads related issues are raised as part of the investigation the Department will consider these at that time.
"We can however advise that the current pelican crossing at this location is due to be upgraded to a Puffin Crossing as part of the Department’s annual upgrade programme.
“The Department has also previously undertaken work in the local vicinity to increase the size of the terminal 30mph speed signs and to provide additional carriageway road marking roundels.
"If there is a persistent speeding problem or persons driving inappropriately such incidents should be reported to the PSNI, as the enforcement authority on speed limits, on their non-emergency number 101.”
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