Infrastructure Minister joined pupils at St Oliver's
Primary School in Carrickrovaddy, Cullyhanna this morning
as new temporary 20mph speed limit signs were switched on
outside the school.
St Oliver's Primary School is one of 40 schools in tranche 3 of
this scheme, which once all fully operational will bring the
total number of schools with part time 20mph speed limits across
the north to 273.
Speaking as the new lights were switched on, Minister Kimmins
said: “I have been clear that road safety is a priority for me
and the safety around schools is paramount as children and young
people are one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads.
“This further tranche represents additional significant
investment and has a focus on improving safety at rural schools,
which are often located on roads where the national speed limit
applies. The volume of traffic is clearly evident at St Oliver's
today and the introduction of the 20mph will help to slow that
traffic down at the start and end of the school day as pupils
arrive and leave to go home.”
Minister Kimmins had the opportunity to meet with the pupils and
staff of St Oliver's to hear at first hand the benefits the new
schemes will bring for the school community.
The Principal of St Oliver's PS, Mrs Donaghy added: “We are
delighted to see the introduction of the new 20mph zone at St
Oliver's Primary School. The safety of our pupils is always our
top priority, particularly during the busy times at the start and
end of the school day. We hope this initiative will make a real
difference in creating a safer environment for our whole school
community.”
Minister Kimmins concluded: “This is just one of a number of
initiatives to make our roads safer. I have asked my officials to
identify other schools which could benefit from the 20mph limit
and that work is continuing.
“My Department is also taking forward a review on a number of
speed related matters, including a review of speed limits and
consideration on the use of permanent 20mph zones.
“In addition I have also held a consultation on Safer Journeys to
School to ensure the safety of children travelling to school by
bus.
“Both these significant consultations have closed recently and my
Department will be studying the responses carefully as we
determine the next steps.
“Of course I will also continue to reinforce the road safety
message for all road users and have recently committed additional
funding to run further advertising campaigns to focus on general
driver behaviour and motorcyclist safety.”
The roll out is continuing, with all 40 schools expected to be
operational by the start of the new school term in September.
Notes to editors:
- The full list of 40 schools to benefit from Tranche 3 of the
scheme is available at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/20mph-speed-limit-schools-tranche-3
