Debate contribution: Schools: Speed Limit Zones

Debate contribution by Ms Liz Kimmins on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Liz Kimmins
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Schools: Speed Limit Zones
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5789871

Text

I have said repeatedly that road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are among the most vulnerable groups using roads, particularly around schools. In June last year, I announced tranche 3 of a programme for part-time 20 mph zones that would benefit 40 schools across the North as part of my Department's ongoing commitment to improving road safety. That tranche focused on schools on rural roads where the 60 mph national speed limit applied. It did so for obvious reasons because those roads pose a high risk for children and young people going to and from school. Delivering each project is a tailored and collaborative exercise, involving constructive engagement with the PSNI, equipment suppliers and contractors, alongside careful coordination to meet the statutory requirements for implementing the legislation covering the new speed limits. The work draws on the expertise and input of teams from across the Department and reflects a shared commitment to supporting safer journeys for pupils, parents and local communities. Significant work has been completed across all areas of the programme, and I am pleased to advise that 31 of the 40 schools were fully completed as of 1 October. The remaining schools are scheduled for completion in the coming weeks. Whilst the focus is aimed at high-speed roads where national speed limits apply, I am aware that there are also schools in urban and residential areas that would benefit from a reduction in speed limits. That is why I asked my officials to consider other schools that could benefit from 20 mph limits, and that work is continuing. Any further tranche will be considered in light of the evidence from the speed limit review, the updated policy position, site-specific circumstances and the funding available to my Department.

322 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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