Minister Kimmins announces expansion of 20mph school safety zones across Northern Ireland

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced the latest phase in a vital road safety initiative, confirming that 40 more schools across Northern Ireland will benefit from part-time 20mph speed limit zones during the 2025/26 financial year.

This expansion builds on the Department for Infrastructure’s continued efforts to enhance safety for children and other vulnerable road users.

To date, 233 schools have had part-time 20mph limits installed, with the latest announcement bringing that total to 273 since the scheme began in 2020/21.

Minister Kimmins made the announcement during a visit to St Mary’s Primary School in Killesher, one of the schools included in the upcoming tranche.

“Road safety is a priority for me and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone,” the Minister said. “I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads.”

The Minister is pictured at St Mary’s Primary School, Killesher with School Principal John Cunningham and pupils.

She continued:

“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.”

The upcoming rollout places a particular emphasis on rural schools situated on roads where the national speed limit currently applies.

However, Minister Kimmins also recognised the need for safety measures in urban and residential areas and has instructed officials to investigate the introduction of permanent 20mph limits near schools, town centres, and other pedestrian-heavy locations.

“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,” she added. “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.”

How the scheme works

At each selected school, the Department will install fixed 20mph speed limit roundel signs equipped with flashing amber lights. These lights will activate at specific times during school drop-off and pick-up hours, alerting drivers to reduce their speed.

The scheme is subject to the completion of statutory processes and confirmation of funding.

Among the schools set to benefit, include:

• St Colmcille’s Primary School, Cullybackey, Ballymena

• Hazlebank Primary School, Aughafatten, Ballymena

• Carnaghts Primary School, Shankbridge, Ballymena

• St Mary’s Primary School, Portglenone, Ballymena

• Tildarg Primary School, Ballyclare

• Creggan Primary School, Randalstown

• Glenann Primary School, Cushendall

• Dunseverick Primary School, Bushmills

• St. Columba’s Primary School, Garvagh, Coleraine

• Abbey Community College, Newtownabbey

• Jordanstown School, Newtownabbey

A full list of the schools included in the third phase of the scheme is available on the Department for Infrastructure website.