A new ‘part-time’ 20mph speed limit is to be put in place outside the CBS School in Armagh.
It is one of over 100 schools across Northern Ireland where the new restriction is to be introduced.
And over 20 of these fall within the Southern Division and include Tandragee Junior High School and Portadown College.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced the roll-out.
She said: “I made a commitment in June to allocate £2 million of funding to bring forward part-time 20mph speed limits at around 100 schools across Northern Ireland so that parents, children and staff will be safer as they go to and from school on a daily basis.
“I am delighted to announce the 100 schools that will benefit from the introduction of the new reduced speed limits for this year. Children, parents and teachers in every part of the North will see positive, practical changes delivered on the ground by the Department of Infrastructure in their community.
“Schools in Northern Ireland were assessed across our four roads Divisions and 25 schools in each Division were identified based on considerations of need as well as individual site constraints.
“Road safety, especially around our schools, is a priority and it is my intention that through future programmes many more schools will have a 20mph speed limit on the roads outside their gates.
“My officials are working at pace to develop the schemes, take forward the legislation and put in place the new part-time 20mph speed limit measures at these schools.
“This is another step forward in our effort to make our roads safer, however, it is vital that all road users take care on our roads. Together we can deliver safer places for all our communities.”
At each of the schools new road signs will be erected in the form of standard fixed speed limit roundel signs with flashing amber lights set to come on at the times the reduced speed limit applies.
This follows trials at a number of schools to determine the effectiveness of this arrangement of signs and it was found they have a positive impact on the reduction in mean speed.
However, Sinn Fein Councillor Brona Haughey expressed his disappointment about the lack of local schools included on the list.
“It is bitterly disappointing that only Tandragee Junior High School and Armagh CBS were the only schools in the locality who made it on to the list,” said Councillor Haughey.
“There are numerous primary schools in the area that would warrant a 20mph limit. Foley Primary School especially as is located on a very busy road and I have raised the issue of speed at this location many times.
“It is not the only school in the locality that would benefit from this scheme but I will continue to lobby for local schools to be added to the list.
“I am also continuing to lobby for additional salting routes for local schools and school bus routes, this is vital with the onset of winter.”
The full list of schools to benefit in the Southern Division is as follows:
Abbey Primary School, Movilla Road, Newtownards
Abercorn PS, Newry Road, Banbridge
Andrews Memorial PS, Ballygowan Road, Comber
Armagh CBS, Keady Road, Armagh
Banbridge Academy/Edenderry PS, Lurgan Road, Banbridge
Carrowdore PS, Castle Place, Carrowdore
Christ The King PS, Drumsnade Road, Drumaness
Derryboye PS, Manse Road, Downpatrick
Grange Primary SchoolLurganconary Road, Kilkeel
Killyleagh PS Shrigley Road, Killyleagh
Kirkistown PS, Main Road, Cloughey, Newtownards
Loughries PS, Ballyblack Road, Newtownards
Milltown Primary School, Lurgan Road, Lenaderg
Orchard Primary School, Blackisland Road, Annaghmore
Portadown College, Killycomain Road, Portadown
St Josephs PS, Carnacaville Road, Newcastle
St Josephs PS, Ballynahinch Road, Crossgar
St Marys Aughisnafin PS, Closkelt Road, Castlewellan
St Marys PS, Strangford Road, Dunsford
St Patricks PS, Ballygalget Lane, Portaferry
St Patricks PS, Burrenreagh Road, Castlewellan
St Patricks PS, Ballynoe Road, Downpatrick
St. Louis’ Grammar School, Newry Road, Kilkeel
St. Paul’s High School, Camlough Road, Bessbrook
Tandragee Junior High School, Armagh Road, Tandragee.
