Dungannon schools overlooked in latest 20mph speed limit announcement, councillor claims
A Dungannon councillor has criticised the Department for Infrastructure after schools across the Dungannon area were again left out of the latest tranche of part-time 20mph speed limit schemes
FIVE schools across Mid Ulster are among 34 across Northern Ireland set to benefit from part-time 20mph speed limits, following the latest announcement by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.
The latest additions to the scheme are St John’s Primary School Kingisland, Coalisland; Bunscoil Naomh Bríd, Maghera; Donaghey Primary School, Dungannon; Ballytrea Primary School, Stewartstown; and Derrylatinee Primary School.
The announcement brings the total number of schools included in the scheme across Northern Ireland to 341, with the measures aimed at improving safety for children travelling to and from school.
However, the latest announcement has prompted criticism from Dungannon councillor Clement Cuthbertson, who said schools across the Dungannon District Electoral Area (DEA) had been overlooked in the latest and previous three tranches of the scheme.
Speaking during a visit to Dromintee Primary School, which is included in the latest tranche, Minister Kimmins said children and young people were among the most vulnerable road users.
She said the majority of the 40 rural schools announced last year now had the measures operational, with the remaining schemes due to be completed shortly.
“Children, parents and staff have a fundamental right to feel safe as they travel to and from school whether they are walking, wheeling, cycling, driving or taking public transport,” she said.
“The introduction of the part-time speed limits helps slow traffic down at the start and end of the school day as pupils arrive and leave to go home.”
The Minister also acknowledged that schools in urban and residential areas could benefit from lower speed limits.
A public consultation held earlier this year as part of a wider review of speed limits included an option for permanent 20mph limits outside schools in more built-up areas. The consultation report will help inform the next stage of the review and the development of future proposals.
As part of her Safer Journeys to School programme, Ms Kimmins has also brought forward a proposal for Executive consideration seeking agreement to introduce legislation prohibiting drivers from overtaking a stationary bus on a 60mph single-carriageway road.
The proposed measure is intended to improve protection for children getting on and off school buses.
Councillor Cuthbertson said he was disappointed that schools in the Dungannon area had not received greater coverage under the scheme.
“While I welcome any investment aimed at improving road safety outside our schools, I am extremely disappointed that not a single school in the Dungannon area has been included in this latest announcement or the previous three tranches,” he said.
He said speeding, traffic volumes and pedestrian safety remained concerns around schools in Dungannon and surrounding villages, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.
He added that he would continue raising the issue with the Department for Infrastructure and pressing for further road safety measures.