The Department of Infrastructure has opened a consultation today (Wednesday 26 January) on the expansion of part-time 20 mph speed limit on over 150 roads, outside a further 106 schools across Northern Ireland.
The first phase of the restricted speed limits scheme outside schools, launched back in September 2020, and included 103 schools.
At that time Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said:
“Road safety, especially around our schools, is a priority and it is my intention that through future programmes many more schools will have a 20mph speed limit on the roads outside their gates.
“My officials are working at pace to develop the schemes, take forward the legislation and put in place the new part-time 20mph speed limit measures at these schools.
Although the commencement of Phase 2 has been welcomed, there has been disappointment and frustration at the delays in the implementation of the measures to help keep children safe and to save lives.
The need for further consultation has also been questioned since the Minister first announced the Phase 2 rollout in September 2021.
Bannside TUV Councillor Timothy Gaston
Bannside TUV Councillor Timothy Gaston said:
“Having campaigned to have the speed limit reduced outside Buick Memorial and Kirkinrola, I welcome movement in this direction, albeit belated movement.
“It would make sense for a blanket 20 mph scheme to be rolled out covering roads outside all schools rather than doing it piecemeal like this.
“One would hope that there will be a wider discussion around the issue of traffic outside schools as well. A major problem is traffic congestion at pick up and drop off times which causes great annoyance both to parents and local residents.
“I appreciate that this is not an issue which is easily addressed in many instances but where possible we need to do what we can. It is vital that when it comes to planning future school builds, traffic issues are given much greater consideration than they appear to have been in the past.”
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.
Eight schools in Mid and East Antrim are included in the consultation for the second phase:
• Fourtowns Primary School, Ahoghill
• Kirkinriola Primary School, Ballymena
• Buick Memorial Primary School, Cullybackey
• St Brigid’s Primary School & St Patrick’s College, Ballymena
• Glynn Primary School, Larne
• Eden Primary School, Carrickfergus
• St Nicholas’ Primary School, Carrickfergus
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