The Department for Infrastructure is set to introduce the scheme at 106 schools across the region, taking the total number of schools benefiting from the scheme to 209.
Announcing Phase 2 of the scheme yesterday, Thursday 02 September, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I'm delighted that phase 1 of my part-time 20mph speed limits initiative has been delivered to 103 schools across Northern Ireland ensuring that children, parents and staff will be safer as they travel to and from school on a daily basis.
"Given the success of this initiative, I am today pleased to announce Phase 2 which will see a further 106 schools at 99 sites across the North benefitting from the introduction of new reduced speed limits. Road safety, especially around our schools, is a priority of mine and it is my intention that through future programmes many more schools will have a 20mph speed limit on the roads outside their gates."
-- Advertisement --
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.
Minister Mallon continued: "For Phase 2, schools in Northern Ireland were assessed across our four roads divisions and schools in each division were identified based on considerations of need and individual site constraints. My officials are working hard to develop the schemes, take forward the legislation and put in place this new tranche of part-time 20mph 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 continue to take care on our roads. Together we can deliver safer places for all our communities."
North Down Green Party MLA Rachel Woods has welcomed the Phase 2 roll out after no local schools were included in the first phase. The schools in North Down benefitting from Phase 2 include Clandeboye Primary School, Rathmore and St Malachy's in Bangor, Donaghadee Primary, Millisle, as well as Priory College and Sullivan in Holywood.
"I hope this in turn will encourage more children, young people and families to choose active travel, which will reduce well-known traffic and parking problems as well as supporting people's health and wellbeing," MLA Woods added. "There are also many more schools that would benefit and I will be liaising with the Minister and her Department to discuss this further.
"I was disappointed that no schools in North Down were included in the first phase of the project despite the clear need and desire across the specific areas. I hope that the new 20mph speed limit becomes the norm outside all of our schools."
