A TRAFFIC survey in Suncroft has found that 86% of motorists speed through the village.

Councillors Fiona McLoughlin Healy and Joanne Pender raised the issue of dangerous driving in the village at the recent Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting.

Cllr McLoughlin Healy called on the council to outline a plan to deal with consistent issues with speeding and dangerous driving within the 50kph zone as motorists approach and leave Suncroft village. She said it is impacting most seriously on the two housing estates, Hawthorn Wood and the older development at Carna, both within this zone.

A traffic survey was carried out in early December and it found that 86% of motorists speed in this zone, a third travelling more than 70kph. The automated traffic count was carried out from the Hawthorne Estate entrance to Suncroft.

At the time 2,627 cars were clocked and the fastest speed recorded was 114kph.

“This validates concerns that locals have for the urgent need for traffic caliming in the area,” said Cllr McLoughlin Healy.

Cllr Joanne Pender asked at the meeting that the council would outline what works are proposed to tackle the issues raised around speeding and road safety for both motorists and pedestrians as a result of the information received.

“We have to be aware that the majority of people speeding are likely to be living there as it is a through road,” said Cllr Pender.

“Something has to be done to raise awareness in their own community.”

Roads engineer Evelyn Wright told the members that the costs for the supply and installation of two advance warning solar powered driver feedback signs is around €9,000.

“The issue is under discussion,” she said. “We will move on to the next stage now of identifying excatly what needs to be done and the funding needed.”