Electronic sign drives down speeds in village

A relatively simple initiative to slow traffic going through an East Galway village could have the effect of saving lives or preventing serious injury occurring.

The electronic sign, which has been erected in the village of Cappataggle, is already having the desired impact according to local residents.

And it has been suggested by a local public representative that other small villages around the county that have traffic issues should apply for funding for similar speeding signs.

“It is only up a week and already it is noticeable that traffic has slowed down considerably,” observed Cllr Aidan Donohue who added that it was a much-needed addition to the village.

The Fine Gael councillor explained that in recent years there had been additional sporting facilities provided in Cappataggle and this had obviously resulted in more traffic coming through the village. He added that speeding had become a major issue and there were a lot of concerns with regard to child safety.

The speed limit through the village is 50km/h but locals were concerned that this was regularly being broken by motorists and the many lorries that pass through Cappataggle – and particularly in the evening times.

It prompted a local campaign to seek funding for an electronic sign which indicates the speed motorists are travelling at. Since it was erected, it has had the desired effect with motorists’ speed reducing dramatically. The funding for the speed limit sign and road markings was made available through the CLAR Programme.

Cllr Donohue said that for a relatively small cost, it could have the effect of preventing a serious situation, or even fatality, from occurring in the village and it was something that other small villages should consider.

“From my information, the take-up in County Galway for such traffic control measures has been very small compared to the rest of the country and it is hard to understand why this is the case”, he added.

The new sign has been installed on the approach to Cappataggle National School and the community facilities which are currently well-used by sporting enthusiasts.

The area has seen increased activity due to the construction of an all-weather astroturf pitch, and a children’s playground along with leisure walking facilities in recent years.

Michael Finn who is Chairman of Cappataggle Sportsfield says already they can see that vehicles are slowing down as they approach the village as a direct result of the sign being erected.