34 more Northern Ireland schools to receive part-time 20mph speed limits
A further 34 schools across Northern Ireland are to benefit from part-time 20mph speed limits under a new phase of road safety improvements announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.
The latest rollout will focus on schools located on rural roads where the national speed limit currently applies, with the aim of reducing traffic speeds when pupils arrive and leave school.
The announcement marks the fourth phase of the programme, bringing the total number of schools selected for the initiative since 2020/21 to 307.
New 20mph limits to improve safety outside rural schools
Minister Kimmins announced the latest expansion during a visit to Dromintee Primary School, one of the 34 schools included in the new phase.
The part-time speed limits are designed to operate around the beginning and end of the school day, when children, parents and staff are most likely to be travelling.
The Minister said children and young people were among the most vulnerable road users and improving their safety remained a priority.
“Children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads and I remain committed to doing what I can to improve their safety,” she said.
“Once again these 34 schools identified will be located on rural roads where the national speed limit applies and traffic is generally faster.”
The Minister confirmed that most of the 40 rural schools included in last year’s announcement now have operational schemes, with the remaining installations expected to be completed shortly.
More than 300 schools included since 2020
The latest expansion will bring the total number of schools benefiting from the part-time 20mph programme to 307 since it began in 2020/21.
The Department for Infrastructure has prioritised schools on higher-speed rural roads, where reducing vehicle speeds during busy school periods could improve safety for pupils.
Ms Kimmins said children, parents and school staff should be able to travel safely, whether walking, cycling, using public transport or travelling by car.
She said the lower limits would help slow traffic as pupils arrive at school and leave at the end of the day.
The Department has published a full list of the 34 schools included in the fourth phase of the programme.
Permanent 20mph limits outside urban schools also considered
The Minister acknowledged that schools in towns, cities and residential areas could also benefit from reduced speed limits.
Earlier this year, the Department for Infrastructure carried out a public consultation on a wider review of speed limits.
One of the options considered was introducing permanent 20mph limits outside schools in urban and residential areas.
Ms Kimmins said the consultation findings would inform the next stage of the review and the development of future proposals.
No decision has yet been announced on introducing permanent 20mph limits at those locations.
New proposal to protect children getting on and off school buses
The Minister also confirmed that a proposal has been submitted for Executive consideration as part of her Safer Journeys to School programme.
The proposal seeks agreement to introduce legislation preventing drivers from overtaking a stationary bus on a 60mph single-carriageway road.
The measure is intended to reduce the risks faced by children getting on and off buses, particularly on rural roads where traffic may be travelling at higher speeds.
Ms Kimmins said the proposed restriction could encourage safer driving behaviour and provide additional protection during one of the most vulnerable stages of a child’s journey to school.
The proposal remains subject to Executive consideration and any subsequent legislative process.
Drivers urged to take greater care near schools
The Minister concluded by reminding motorists of their responsibility to protect vulnerable road users.
She urged drivers to reduce their speed, avoid using mobile phones while driving and never get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Department for Infrastructure said the latest school speed limit schemes form part of its continuing efforts to improve road safety across Northern Ireland.
The full list of schools included in the fourth phase is avai
External link: Department for Infrastructure — Full list of 34 schools in Tranche 4
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