Temporary 20mph limit at 3 schools

Temporary 20mph limit at 3 schools

2 July 2025

TEMPORARY 20mph speed limits are to be introduced outside three local primary schools as part of the Department for Infrastructure’s road safety initiative.

Saul’s St Patrick’s Primary, Magheramayo’s St Matthew’s PS and Portaferry’s St Mary’s Primary are among 40 schools where the new 20mph limits are to be introduced.

Stormont roads minister Liz Kimmins confirmed the news on Monday and revealed that to date, 233 of the 20mph zones have been provided.

She said road safety is one of her priorities and she is committed to working proactively to make roads safer for everyone. 

“I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads,” said Ms Kimmins.

“The introduction of part-time 20mph zones at schools is a significant intervention that has helped to ensure that children, parents and staff feel safer as they travel to and from school on a daily basis.”

Ms Kimmins said in the latest tranche of schools to receive the new signs, the focus is on rural schools that are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. 

She also said she is “very much aware” that there are also schools in urban and residential areas that would benefit from a reduction in the speed limit. 

The roads minister confirmed she has asked her officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits, particularly near schools in predominantly residential areas and places such as town centres, where there is a higher number of those walking, wheeling and cycling.

She added: “I will continue to give consideration to any steps my Department and our road safety partners can take to help reduce the number of people killed and injured in road traffic collisions. 

“However, there are actions we can all take that will help. I would urge all drivers to take care on the roads, slow down, ignore mobile phones and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

“As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe.”