11/11/2008 -

'Text Alert' System Launch

Sligo Borough Council formally launched a ‘Text Alert’ facility to enable people to report traffic management problems around the streets of Sligo. The text messages are relayed via the Communications Office to the Authorities’ Traffic Wardens who respond immediately to call to the scene of the alert.

The scheme which had been piloted for two months in conjunction with the Sligo Branch of the People with Disabilities Ireland (PWDI) has been opened up to the general public whereby any member of the public will be able to report traffic management problems for immediate attention.

RTE news were also present at the launch where they filmed two scenarios to highlight the difficulties caused by illegal parking for people in wheelchairs, people with visual impairments and those trying to manage children and buggies.

- PWDI Member Bob Murphy attempts to manoeuvre past an illegally parked vehicle

The launch at City Hall was attended by representatives from the PWDI, the NCBI, elected officials, Mayor Cllr. Veronica Cawley and Sligo Local Authority staff. Mayor Cawley welcomed the system as an opportunity to increase people’s awareness of where they park and the effects this has on the  mobility of certain members of the community.

Bob Murphy from the Sligo branch of the PWDI has been working with the local authority on the development of the ‘Text Alert’ system. He sees it as a very important step by Sligo Borough Council in cracking down on those who park illegally regardless of the obstacles they are creating for pedestrians.

In tandem with the ‘Text Alert’ system, Sligo Local Authorities have commissioned a Tow Away service. Any vehicles illegally parked in Disabled Parking Spaces, Bus Areas or designated Trading areas are liable to be towed away and impounded.

The number to text any illegal parking instances to is 087 7850566 during the hours 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. This number is linked to a computerised text only system and is not set up to receive standard calls.

- Demonstration of new Tow-Away System in Sligo