by Q Radio News
100 schools across Northern Ireland will have part-time 20 mph speed limits, the Infrastructure Minister has announced.
Nichola Mallon made the commitment in June as part of a £2m package from her department.
The minister says it is a 'priority' to ensure road safety at schools.
"I am delighted today to announce the 100 schools that will benefit from the introduction of the new reduced speed limits for this year. Children, parents and teachers in every part of the North will see positive, practical changes delivered on the ground by the Department of Infrastructure in their community.
“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.
“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.
Great work from @NicholaMallon 100 schools getting 20mph limits, including 8 in #WestTyrone.
— Daniel McCrossan MLA 🕊🇪🇺 (@McCrossanMLA) September 7, 2020
Holy Cross & St Marys, Strabane.
Artigarvan PS, Gillygooley PS.
Christ the King PS, Omagh County PS.
St Patrick's PS, Eskra and Arvalee School in Omagh. pic.twitter.com/iOfwGA2z1c
“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.”
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 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.
The full list of schools to benefit from the 20 mph speed limit schemes is available here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/20mph-speed-limit-schemes-100-schools
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