Since the A4 dual carriageway, between the M1 motorway and Ballygawley, opened in November 2010 there have been over 20 reports of vehicles travelling in the wrong direction towards oncoming traffic.
In September 2011, Roads Service provided enhanced signage at all junctions to raise driver awareness on the approaches to the A4, in order to reduce the number of incidences of ‘wrong way’ travelling. However, some drivers continue to ignore the signage and drive the ‘wrong way’ on the dual carriageway.
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Safety Audits and design checks undertaken prior to the road opening confirmed the A4 meets the requirements of the relevant design criteria and traffic signs regulations.
Roads Service is currently implementing further measures, including additional signs, white lining and coning to help reduce the number of incidences.
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is an extremely serious matter. Despite additional 'No Entry' and 'Left Turn Only', signage, some drivers are continuing to ignore the signs and are travelling the A4 in the wrong direction. These actions are highly dangerous and could have grave consequences.
"It is absolutely essential drivers pay attention to the roads signage at junctions when joining the new A4 dual carriageway."
"Drivers must not rely on previous journey habits in the vicinity the A4 before the new road improvements. Nor should they rely on Sat Nav’s that have not been updated to reflect the new road layout.
"The simple rule to remember is: right turns onto the dual carriageway, are prohibited at all junctions.
The Roads Service will continue to monitor the situation.
(CD/GK)
