Kimmins announces roll-out of part-time 20mph zones at further 40 schools
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins 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
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