Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on his plans to improve road safety at schools; and (ii) whether he is committed to a further roll-out of the part-time 20mph speed limit zones at schools.
Minister for Infrastructure: My Department has developed a draft Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes an update of our policies and design guidance to encourage people to consider active travel for shorter everyday journeys. The work includes development of a toolkit of measures aimed at encouraging more parents and pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to school. Developing safe walking and cycling routes to schools is proposed as a key priority within the Active Travel Delivery Plan that is currently out for public consultation. Consultation on the plan runs until 28 February 2025 and I would encourage the public to take part and help shape the priorities for delivery of active travel infrastructure for the next ten years and beyond.
The review of the initiative introducing part-time 20mph speed limits at schools has been completed and is available on the Department’s website:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-part-time-20mph-speed-limits-schools
The review report recommends that the Department should provide a third tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools, however this will be more modest in size. The report also concludes that a more targeted approach is needed to ensure that the correct safety intervention is selected and work updating our policy document is underway. Funding for progressing the next tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools will be included within budget planning considerations for next financial year.
ENDS
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