20mph speed limits to be rolled out at Newtownabbey schools

The Times reported last year that approximately 100 schools across the province were to have a temporary 20mph zone created outside their buildings.

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An update on when the work is set to take place was provided by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA in response to a question from South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron.

Detailing the scheme, the north Belfast SDLP representative said: “I am delighted to have committed funding in this year’s capital budget towards introduction of part-time 20mph speed limits at around 100 schools across Northern Ireland.

“These measures will increase driver awareness and achieve reductions in vehicle speeds outside and near these schools ensuring that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from the schools on a daily basis.

“All 100 schools included in the part-time 20 mph programme for the current financial year have been informed, including Ballyclare High School and Mallusk Primary School.

“I can confirm that, in parallel with the statutory legislative processes, my officials are working to deliver these schemes and it is hoped they will be in place and operational within the next three to four months.”

Welcoming the move, Mrs Cameron said: “Road safety remains a major concern for many parents, teachers and pupils in the vicinity of a number of schools across South Antrim.

“I was delighted that several local schools, including some that I had been lobbying for inclusion of, were selected for the roll out of this initial pilot scheme.

“The 20mph speed zones in the vicinity of these schools will help to greatly improve pedestrian and road user safety. Initial plans from the Department stated that at each of the schools, new road signs would be erected including 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.

“Hopefully this scheme will be a success and can in the near future be rolled-out to improve safety outside more local primary and secondary schools. I look forward to seeing this project delivered in the next few months.”

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