New 20mph limits outside local schools

THREE local schools have been included in a new pilot scheme which will see part-time 20mph speed limits introduced.

Announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon this week, the project includes 100 schools across the North and is part of a £2million investment. The local schools to benefit are Holy Cross College, St Mary’s Primary School and Artigarvan Primary School.

At each of the schools, new road signs will be erected in the form of standard fixed speed limit signs with flashing amber lights set to come on at the times the reduced speed limit applies.

The department says this follows trials at a number of schools to determine the effectiveness of this arrangement of signs. It was found they have a positive impact on the reduction in mean speed.

Welcoming the move, Nichola Mallon’s SDLP party colleague, Daniel McCrossan commented, “Speeding in and around our schools is a massive issue and action needs to be taken. I thank the Minister for taking this massive stride forward in that regard.

“The message needs to be put out there clearly that speeding will not be tolerated around schools, especially when there are young children present. A 20mph limit will make these drivers think again.

“It’s my hope that this pilot is successful and that we see 20mph speed limits at every school across the North in the near future.”

According to the minister schools in Northern Ireland were assessed across our four roads divisions and 25 schools in each division were identified based on considerations of need as well as individual site constraints.

Minister Mallon remarked, “Road safety, especially around our schools, is a priority and it is my intention that through future programmes many more schools will have a 20 mph 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 20 mph speed limit measures at these schools.

“This is another step forward in our effort to make our roads safer, however, it is vital that all road users take care on our roads. Together we can deliver safer places for all our communities.”