To ask the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the pilot 20mph speed limit outside schools and when he anticipates when it will be implemented in all schools.

Two primary schools were selected for trials of 20mph variable speed limits. These were:

Kilmoyle Primary School, Benvardin Road, Ballymoney; and

Hazlett Primary School, Downhill Road, Articlave, Castlerock.

The schemes became operative on Monday 1 September 2008, and will be assessed by the PSNI and my Department’s Roads Service over the full school year. However, initial observations indicate a reduction in speed of traffic on the approaches to, and through, the speed limit zones.

I understand the Principal, Governors and parents of both schools have praised the trial schemes and commented on the significant speed reduction during the times of operation. The PSNI, who fully supported the schemes, have also reported reductions in speed and have detected one speeding offence.

Roads Service will continue to monitor and assess these trial schemes over the full school year, to determine their effectiveness in reducing traffic speeds and other dangers, at the subject schools, before consideration is given to introducing a more widespread programme.