Politicians welcome 20mph speed limit

Politicians welcome 20mph speed limit

9 July 2025

LOCAL politicians have welcomed plans to introduce temporary 20mph speed limits outside a number of local primary schools.

Last week, Stormont roads minister Liz Kimmins said the new limits are to be introduced outside Saul’s St Patrick’s Primary, Magheramayo’s St Matthew’s PS and Portaferry’s St Mary’s Primary as part of the Department for Infrastructure’s road safety initiative.

Ms Kimmins – who revealed that to date, 233 of the 20mph zones have been provided, outside primary schools across the province – said road safety is one of her priorities.

She is also committed to working proactively to make roads safer for everyone and is acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using the roads.

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.

Downpatrick councillors Gareth Sharvin and Philip Campbell and have welcomed the proposal for St Patrick’s Primary School in Saul.

Cllr Sharvin, who is a member of the school’s Board of Governors, said the new 20mph limit is long overdue given the speeding experienced along this section of the busy rural road.

“The temporary speed restriction will make it that bit more safer for the children and families to travel to and from school,” he said.

“There are still many examples of schools that need these limits to make the areas outside our schools much safer and I have raised them with the Minister’s office.”

Cllr Campbell described news of the St Patrick’s Primary speed limit as positive for pupils, parents, and staff. 

“It will help to keep them safe, especially during those busy pick-up and -off times and I welcome Minister Kimmins’ delivery of this project. One of her top priorities is making our roads safer, particularly for our young people,” he added.

Slieve Croob councillor, Siobhan O’Hare, has welcomed plans for the new 20mph zone outside Saint Matthew’s PS in Magheramayo.

“Minister Kimmins’ announcement, as well as her continued commitment to making our roads safer, is great for the St Matthew’s,” she said.

”Slower speeds means safer roads, especially outside our schools. This is an important change that will ultimately improve the safety of our school community.”