Northern Ireland is to introduce part-time 20mph speed limits at 34 more schools on rural roads, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced.
The sites are roads where the national speed limit currently applies and traffic is typically faster. The latest phase brings the total number of schools covered by the Department for Infrastructure scheme to 307 since 2020/21.
Limits will operate around the school day
Kimmins made the announcement during a visit to Dromintee Primary School. The full list of schools included in the fourth tranche, known as Phase 4, has been published by the department.
“Once again these 34 schools identified will be located on rural roads where the national speed limit applies and traffic is generally faster,” Kimmins said. “The introduction of the part-time speed limits helps slow traffic down at the start and end of the school day as pupils arrive and leave to go home.”
The minister said the current focus was on higher-speed roads, but added that schools in urban and residential areas could also benefit from lower limits. A public consultation on a wider review of speed limits earlier this year included an option for permanent 20mph limits outside schools in those areas.
According to the Department for Infrastructure, most of the 40 rural schools announced in the previous tranche now have their part-time limits in operation. The remaining installations are expected to be completed shortly.
Separate bus overtaking proposal
As part of the Safer Journeys to School programme, Kimmins has also submitted a proposal to the Northern Ireland Executive for legislation banning drivers from overtaking a stationary bus on a 60mph single-carriageway road.
She said the measure would address “the risk facing children as they get on and off buses”. The proposal requires Executive agreement before legislation can be brought forward.
The department has not disclosed the cost of the latest 20mph tranche or when the limits will be installed.