Infrastructure Minister, has announced the next phase
of part-time 20mph speed limit schemes for schools across the
north.
As part of the Department's ongoing commitment to improving road
safety, part-time 20mph zones have been installed at 233 schools
to date with Minister Kimmins now confirming that in 2025/26 an
additional 40 schools will benefit from this important safety
intervention.
Speaking at a visit to St Mary's Primary School, Killesher which
is included in the latest tranche, Minister Kimmins said:
“Road safety is a priority for me and I am committed to
working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I
am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the
most vulnerable groups using our roads.
“The introduction of part-time 20mph zones at schools
across the north is a significant intervention that has helped to
ensure that children, parents and staff feel safer as they travel
to and from school on a daily basis. I am therefore pleased
today to confirm that an additional 40 schools
will benefit from this key road safety measure bringing the total
delivered since 2020/21 to 273 schools.
“In this tranche there is a focus on rural schools that
are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. I
am, however, very much aware that there are also schools in urban
and residential areas that would benefit from a reduction in the
speed limit. I have therefore asked my officials to prepare
a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits, particularly
near schools in predominantly residential areas and places such
as town centres, where there is a higher number of those walking,
wheeling and cycling.”
In conclusion the Minister said: “I will continue to give
consideration to any steps my Department and our road safety
partners can take to help reduce the number of people killed and
injured in road traffic collisions. However, there are
actions we can all take that will help. I would urge all
drivers to take care on the roads, slow down, ignore mobile
phones and never drive under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
"As road users we all have a personal responsibility to
behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe.”
The full list of schools to benefit from Phase 3 of the 20mph
speed limit schemes is available at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/20mph-speed-limit-schools-tranche-3
Notes to Editors:
- The Minister is pictured at St Mary's Primary School,
Killesher with School Principal John Cunningham and pupils.
- At each of the schools new road signs will be erected in the
form of standard fixed speed limit roundel signs with flashing
amber lights set to come on at the times the reduced speed limit
applies.
- The Department will now work to develop the schemes and take
forward the legislation. Delivery dates will be subject to
completion of statutory processes and confirmation of
funding.
- Last year the Department published a review of Part-time
20mph limits at Schools after Tranches 1 and 2. The review
is available on the Department's website at: Part-time 20mph Speed Limits
at Schools Review
