Speed limit is brought in at housing estate

Speed limit is brought in at housing estate

10 February 2016

RESIDENTS at one of Ballynahinch’s biggest housing estates have welcomed the introduction of a new 20mph speed limit.

The Langley Road estate, along with part of Belfast city centre, is one of only five areas in the Province where the new speed restriction has been introduced to improve safety.

The Langley Road Community Association is delighted drivers will have to slow down driving through an estate which is home to a large number of young families.

The group’s chairman, Andrew Steenson, explained residents have been campaigning for some time for for the 20mph limit to be introduced.

“We are pleased the hard work has paid off. The new limit came into effect on Monday of last week and we would appeal to drivers to please slow down and watch their speed. Langley Road is a built-up area and there are a lot of young children about.

“We lobbied for the 20mph limit to keep them safe and want to thank roads officials for selecting Langley Road as one of just five 

areas in Northern Ireland where this restriction has been introduced,” he added.

Councillor Billy Walker said there are some drivers who use the Ballynahinch estate as an “unofficial by-pass” at times which concerns residents. He said the new deterrent will encourage people to slow down.

“It is also important police carry out regular checks to ensure the 20mph speed limit is being enforced and those who break the law are prosecuted. There is no point having a 20mph limit if drivers know there is no likelihood of them being caught if they exceed it,” he continued.

“Road safety is a priority for the Langley Road residents and drivers who are caught exceeding the 20mph limit must realise they face a range of punishments, ranging from fines, to speed awareness courses and a potential court appearance.”

The Rowallane politician said he believes that 20mph limits in built-up areas like the Langley Road estate could become the “norm” in years to come.

He added: “With the increasing emphasis on road safety, particularly in our larger housing estates where there are limited play facilities, more 20mph zones could be rolled out. They are not expensive to provide but can help prevent loss of life and serious injury.”

The Department of Regional Development said the new 20mph zones will improve the safety for all road users, with all the schemes, including the one in Ballynahinch, closely monitored to evaluate their effectiveness. The government department says this could lead to similar zones being rolled out in other parts of Northern Ireland.