To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether consideration has been given to adapting the A24 Saintfield Road from Cairnshill to Carryduff to a 'left-turn only' configuration with roundabouts, similar to the recently constructed A2 route from Jordanstown through Greenisland.

My Department receives many requests for improvement works which unfortunately is not matched by available budgets. I have inherited severe and challenging budget constraints but I am committed to working to find solutions that deliver better for our communities and improve lives across Northern Ireland.

Given the constraints on funding, proposals for improvement works are assessed and prioritised to enable those schemes providing greatest benefit and value for money to go forward to compete for inclusion in a works programme. Adapting a 'left-turn only' configuration on the Saintfield Road between Cairnshill and Carryduff would require reconfiguration of many junctions and prohibition of turning movements which, if not complied with, would require enforcement by the PSNI. As such, there are currently no plans at this time to introduce a ‘left turn only’ arrangement.

An alternative arrangement to assist traffic movements on busy roads such as the Saintfield Road is the provision of right turn lanes and you will be aware that my Department has recently provided a road improvement scheme on the A24 Saintfield Road at Myrtledene. This included separate right turn lanes into Myrtledene Road and Glenhugh Park, and this will benefit road users in this area.