By Joe McCann
A NORTH Down MLA has hit out at utility companies for undertaking unauthorised repairs on local roads which have led to large scale congestion.
Assemblyman Peter Martin called for action and said he would be raising the matter at Stormont and with the Infrastructure Minister after it transpired roadworks which took place on Abbey Street and the Belfast Road in Bangor had taken place without prior authorisation or permission from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Mr Martin said the road closures were to facilitate gas work repairs near the Brunswick Road roundabout however following enquiries, it was discovered that no permission had been granted for the work.
“Disruptive laneway closures were in place around the busy junction between Abbey Street and the Belfast Road, with the Brunswick Road closed entirely,” he said. “This was to facilitate gas works near the Brunswick Road roundabout and clearly there was considerable traffic disruption and tailbacks on one of the main arterial routes into Bangor.
“When my office contacted the Department for Infrastructure to ask why lane closures on Abbey Street and the Belfast Road were necessary when traffic could have been diverted via Rugby and Osborne, we were told that no permission had been given to close the lanes. It was clear that Phoenix and its management company Premier TS had closed the lanes themselves without authorisation.
“The excuse will be given that it was emergency works but there is no excuse not to contact the Department to both get permission and ensure that agreed diversions are in place. The work has thankfully now finished.”
The DUP MLA said utility companies had been getting away with this for too long and said as well as work being done without permission, it also frequently dragged on for weeks, causing more disruption.
“This sort of behaviour from utility companies is frankly unacceptable and they have been getting away with it for too long. They should not have carte blanche to do as they want while residents and traders have to endure heavy disruption to their journeys,” he said.
“They can often take too long to carry out work, with sites being left for weeks without any work taking place. Repairs can often be of poor quality and like today, with unnecessary and unauthorised disruption on our roads. This must change.”
Mr Martin confirmed he will be bringing the matter to the Infrastructure committee in Stormont and also raising the issue with the Minister.
Phoenix Gas, Premier Traffic Systems and Kier Infrastructure Group have been approached for comment.
