20mph speed limit on trial at Model Primary

Traffic speed is to be limited to 20 mph on a section of one of Carrick's busiest roads in a trial reduction outside Model Primary School.
East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs. INCT 17-704-CONEast Antrim MLA Roy Beggs. INCT 17-704-CON
East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs. INCT 17-704-CON

The school is to receive funding to trial the part-time traffic management scheme.

Nearside electronic 20mph signs will illuminate at school opening and closing times. The restriction will be enforceable by the PSNI.

Welcoming the development, Roy Beggs MLA, a member of Carrickfergus Road Safety Committee, said: “Given the volume of traffic on the busy four-lane A2 road and the risks to children attending the Model Primary School, I particularly welcome the news that a traffic management scheme , incorporating a part-time reduction in speed limits to 20 mph is to be trialled locally.

“Such a speed reduction has been shown to reduce the risks of an accident during school opening and closing times.”

Responding to a written question from Mr Beggs regarding an extension of the scheme to other schools, Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said that he was keen to roll out the scheme to other schools, particularly those located on roads where the national speed limit applies.

He added: “However with installation costs currently in the region of £50,000 per school, these systems are expensive to provide and maintain.

“My officials are currently investigating an alternative and more cost-effective method to provide part-time enforceable 20 mph speed limits at schools which would have the potential to allow more schools to be treated, subject to available funding in the current challenging financial position.”

A Transport NI official confirmed that the restriction has the support of Model Primary, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the PSNI.

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