Funds available to solve HGV traffic in Cork streets

National Transport Authority (NTA) funding has been provided for a study into measures to reduce large vehicles from travelling down narrow streets like Blarney St, Cork City Council have said.

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins said that a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) got stuck on Blarney St on the northside of Cork city this week, and that it is not the first time this has happened.

He told The Echo: “For years I have been calling on Cork City Council to put in electric flashing signs saying ‘no HGVs’.

“If these vehicles keep going down Blarney St someone will be seriously injured or rose, because the road just isn’t built for them. Despite this, people’s satnavs keep bringing them down this way – that’s why we need two flashing Led signs informing drivers there is no entry here. Only a couple of months ago a HGV had to be lifted out with a crane.”

He added that other areas in the city could also benefit from this, saying “up around Montenotte is another area they could be caught as well. We need to start sorting this now because school is starting soon and there are two schools in this area; we don’t want children to be knocked down by a HGV.”

Mr Collins explained: “I’ve been told for years by the council that there’s a HGV strategy being put in place, but there’s been no sign of it.

“I’m a driver myself, a professional lorry driver, and this is putting stress on the drivers too, particularly foreign drivers who might not understand the signs that are there now, if English wasn’t their first language.”

A Cork City Council spokesperson told The Echo: “Weight restriction signage on Blarney St was upgraded last year as well additional signage being added at the grotto end of the street.

“In addition, the NTA have provided active travel funding to do a feasibility and options study to explore the feasibility of using various active travel measures to reduce or discourage through traffic including HGVs on the street and improve the environment for residents, pedestrians and cyclists. This project is currently at options stage.”