Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that 34 additional schools across Northern Ireland will receive part-time 20mph speed limit schemes, marking the fourth phase of the initiative and bringing the total number of participating schools to 307 since 2020/21. The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Dromintee Primary School, which is included in the latest tranche.

Minister Kimmins said: "Children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads and I remain committed to doing what I can to improve their safety.

"Once again these 34 schools identified will be located on rural roads where the national speed limit applies and traffic is generally faster. Last year I announced the measure for 40 rural schools and I am pleased that the majority of those are now operational, with the remainder 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. 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 continued: "The announcement today is just one step in my commitment to make our roads safer for everyone particularly our most vulnerable road users. "Whilst focus is aimed on higher speed roads where the national speed limit applies, I am equally aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas which would also benefit from a reduction in speed limits.

"Earlier this year, I held a public consultation on a review of speed limits. Included within this review, was an option for permanent 20mph speed limits outside schools in more urban and residential areas.

"That consultation report will now help inform the next stage of the Speed Limit Review and the development of any future speed limit proposals.

"As part of my Safer Journeys to School programme, I have now 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.

"This would enable the Department to take forward a practical measure to address the risk facing children as they get on and off buses, helping to encourage safer driver behaviour and providing additional protection at one of the most vulnerable stages of the school journey."

The Minister concluded: "I would remind every road user that there are actions we can all take that will help reduce death and injury on our roads. As road users, we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. 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."

A full list of schools included in Phase 4 is available at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/20mph-speed-limit-schools-tranche-4