Campaigners welcome 20mph zone outside Model School

A long-awaited speed restriction on a stretch of Carrick's busy Belfast Road is to be introduced this summer.
Roy Beggs MLA opposite Model Primary School.Roy Beggs MLA opposite Model Primary School.
Roy Beggs MLA opposite Model Primary School.

Road safety campaigners have lobbied for the 20mph measure in the vicinity of Model Primary School which had previously been promised but then put on hold due to legal and funding issues.

East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed assurances to him by the Department for Infrastructure that the part-time peak 20mph zone at the school will be put in place this summer.

Mr Beggs said: “In 2016 I engaged with the department and Transport NI in relation to a 20mph zone at peak school times for the A2 Shore Road at Model Primary School. The departmental minister at the time provided assurances to me that the scheme would be put in place. I am pleased that the department have advised me this week that the legislation for the scheme is complete and that this will provide a part-time 20mph zone identified by permanent signs with flashing lights to indicate when the speed limit is operational.”

Infrastructure Permanent Secretary Peter May, in a letter to the Ulster Unionist representative, said: “I am happy to confirm that the scheme will be put in place during the summer.”

Mr Beggs added: “The scheme has the potential to be an effective method of speed reduction in the vicinity of the school where vulnerable road users, such as children regularly cross the road.”

In December, a concerned grandparent contacted the Carrick Times after a “near miss” incident at the controlled crossing with a 40mph limit outside the school. The issue has been raised a number of times at Carrickfergus Roads Safety Committee.