Local schools chosen for speed trial
Thursday, 4 September 2008
ROADS Service has introduced part-time 20mph speed limits outside two local schools, as part of a trial.
Roads Service researched safety measures outside schools across Europe and concluded that the Scottish approach to part time speed limits should be trialled to determine its effectiveness in the north. This is the first time a 20mph speed limit outside schools has been trialled here.
The two schools taking part in the trial are Hezlett Primary School on the A2 Mussenden Road near Castlerock and Kilmoyle Primary School on B67 Benvarden Road near Ballybogey.
Introducing the speed limit zone at Hezlett School, Divisional Roads Manager for Northern Division, Jim Beattie, said: "This scheme introduces a 20mph speed limit to the road in front of the schools applicable during the times that the children are arriving and leaving the school. New electronic signs have been erected, which display a message advising motorists of the 20 mph limit. These signs will only be activated during the specified morning and afternoon periods.
“The speed limits have been introduced after consultation with the Coleraine and Ballymoney Councils, PSNI, local residents and the schools. The PSNI will be able to enforce these limits under the Road Traffic Order No 347 2008."
Roads Service will monitor the speed of passing traffic at these sites during this school year and this will help inform a decision on the effectiveness of the trial.
