McDevitt Launches Consultation Into 20mph Speed limits

SDLP South Belfast MLA, Conall McDevitt, has launched a consultation seeking views on a reduction in speed limits from 30mph to 20mph on designated unclassified roads as part of his bid to introduce legislation through a Private Members Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Mr McDevitt said: "Research from the Department for Transport (DfT) found that if a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle travelling at 20mph, there is about a 2.5% (1 in 40) chance of being killed, or 97.5% chance of surviving, which compares with the research which states that if hit by a car travelling at 30mph, there is about a 20% (1 in 5) chance of being killed, or 80% chance of survival.

"The main objective of the bill is to increase road safety, particularly for pedestrians and other road users, but as evidence from elsewhere suggests, a reduced speed limit also benefits our health and our environment.

"At present, there are some designated 20mph zones in this region; however the introduction of legislation to be applied to appropriate designated streets would represent a positive step towards making our streets a safer place.

"It is envisaged that the legislation would apply only to smaller residential streets and not major thoroughfares.

"As a legislator, I believe we should be seeking to effect positive change in our society, and I believe that reducing the speed limits on some of our roads would ensure fewer accidents and fatalities on our streets, as well as the possibility of playing a part in contributing to public health, through encouraging more people to walk and cycle for short, every day journeys."

(CD/GK)