THE speed limit outside a Co Down primary school is to be cut to 20 mph.
The speed reduction will affect Ballyronan Road and Oaklea Road, Magherafelt adjacent to Woods Primary School
It is one of seven primary school across the North of Ireland who will see speeds reduced to 20 mph.
The Department of Infrastructure said the part-time speed limits will come into force on September 18 during drop-off and pick-up times.
The Department is also considering introducing part time speed limits at two further schools in the Derry area.
The 20 mph limit will be in place at the other schools from 18 September:
Carrickmannon Road, Ballygowan adjacent to Carrickmannon Primary School
Finvoy Road, Ballymoney adjacent to the Carrowreagh Primary School
Ballynaskeagh Road, Banbridge adjacent to Bronte Primary School
Curragh Road, Coleraine adjacent to Culcrow Primary School
Ballyhay Road, Ballyvester Road and Killaughey Road, Donaghadee adjacent to Ballyvester Primary School
Derrymore Road, Lurgan adjacent to St Marys Primary School, Gawleys Gate, Lurgan
A spokesperson said: “New legislation will reduce the National Speed Limit to 20 mph for a short time at the start and end of the school day when pupils are arriving in the morning and leaving school in the afternoon.
“This will be for a distance of 400-500 metres along adjacent roads in the vicinity of each school and will be enforceable by the PSNI.
“Motorists should be aware of, and adhere to, the new arrangements in the vicinity of these schools. Lighting on the signs (Wig Wag lights) will advise motorists when the speed limit is in effect.
“These signs will remain off for most of the time but will light up at the start and end of the school day. Installation of the required signage and lighting will be complete on or shortly after 18 September 2018.”
East Derry MLA John Dallat welcomes speed reduction
“Only a number of weeks ago I called on the Department to take such action to ensure we could assist families and children to walk to school safely,” he said.
“Today children have lost their open space in their neighbourhoods where they live and particularly on the roads which lead to their schools. Therefore, today’s announcement, whilst long over-due, is an extremely welcome development.
“I would encourage all motorists in these areas to familiarise themselves with and adhere to these changes.”
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