"Ridiculous", "silly" and 40m long - but is this the biggest yellow box junction in the UK, Ireland or even the world? That is what gobsmacked people in a County Londonderry town have been asking after the new set of road markings appeared earlier this week. Maghera, with its population of fewer than 5,000 people, has been dubbed the "small town the big yellow box" over the markings that stretch along a busy junction frequently used by buses, lorries and cars. It is aims to improve traffic flow on the A29 Tobermore Road by keeping the junction clear - but locals are less clear on why it is just so big. Melissa Caskey, who works in an office which overlooks the box, said she was shocked when she first saw it. "It's massive. It's ridiculous. Everybody who comes into our office says – 'have you seen the size of that box out there?'" she said. "It's really silly and very few people know how to use it. But I do think they had a good reason for it because that's a very busy junction." She said a smaller box would have been better. Some residents highlighted the need for safer driving and said they hoped the new box might help. Barney Regan, who runs a bar nearby, said he hoped it might become a tourist attraction. "The north coast has the Dark Hedges and the Giant's Causeway, we've got the largest box-junction in Ireland," he said. The Department for Infrastructure has been contacted for comment. Situated in the town centre, the yellow box is close to local businesses including a cinema, but is also used by through traffic. While there is criticism of the size of the traffic flow measure, there is a general recognition that traffic flow in the town needs to be improved. Many other towns and villages in Ireland claim to be home to abnormally large phenomena.
Is this the biggest yellow box junction in the UK or Ireland?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Residents Debate Size of New Yellow Box Junction in Maghera"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A new set of road markings in the small town of Maghera, County Londonderry, has sparked debate among residents and visitors alike, with many questioning whether it is the largest yellow box junction in the UK, Ireland, or even the world. The striking yellow box, measuring an impressive 40 meters in length, has drawn a mix of reactions, ranging from disbelief to amusement. Local resident Melissa Caskey, who works in an office overlooking the junction, expressed her astonishment at its size, stating that it is 'massive' and 'ridiculous.' She noted that many people who visit her office comment on the unusual dimensions of the box, suggesting that a smaller version would have sufficed. Nevertheless, Caskey acknowledged the importance of keeping the busy A29 Tobermore Road junction clear to improve traffic flow, which is often congested with buses, lorries, and cars.
The yellow box has also sparked conversations about its potential impact on traffic safety and local tourism. Some residents have voiced hope that the large box will enhance driving safety in the area. Barney Regan, a local bar owner, humorously pointed out that while the north coast of Ireland boasts attractions like the Dark Hedges and the Giant's Causeway, Maghera now has the distinction of featuring what may be the largest box junction in the region. The Department for Infrastructure has been approached for comments regarding the new markings, but many in the community recognize the necessity of measures to improve traffic flow. While the size of the yellow box has been met with skepticism, it has also become a talking point among locals and might even attract curious visitors to the town, which has a population of fewer than 5,000 people.
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