Concern over driving test routes

May 2008

Residents of several Bray housing estates are living in fear that their children will be hit by cars driven by nervous learner-drivers practising for their tests on new routes. Eyewitnesses have reported a number of accidents and near misses as cars queue up to reverse around the corner by Ardmore Green, or to try out hill-starts on the notoriously treacherous Ardmore Hill.

Many residents reported having seen children chasing footballs on to the road, and inexperienced drivers just inches from knocking them down.

One woman said that a driver trying a hillstart rolled backwards into her vehicle while attempting the difficult manoeuvre.

‘They are an accident waiting to happen,’ said Cllr. John Ryan of the chosen routes.

The Road Safety Authority has been called upon to change the three routes, two of which go directly through the largest private residential housing estate in Bray, Ardmore Park.

A representative will meet with SGS, who run the tests, tomorrow (Thursday) to reconsider the routes and look at alternatives.

‘I really don’t understand how anybody from the RSA could sanction this route as it is obvious that you should ensure learner drivers should be kept as far way from children playing,’ said Cllr. Ryan.

The Bray centre opened last April at the Ramada on the Southern Cross and drivers can expect to be taken on one of three routes.

Route one goes via Killarney Road, Ardmore, Herbert Road, the Seafront, Putland Road, Vevay Road and back to the test centre.

Route two goes via Vevay Road, Newcourt and Cuala Roads, putland Road, Charnwood, Florence Road, Kind Edward Road, Earlscroft and back to the centre.

Route three takes the learner to the Greystones Roundabout, back to Woodies DIY, Herbert Park, Parnell Road, Ardmore Park, St. Fergal’s, and back to the Southern Cross.