20mph limit for primary schools

Part-time 20mph speed limits have been set up outside two primary schools in counties Antrim and Londonderry.

The limits will operate when pupils are going to and from Hezlett PS, near Castlerock, and Kilmoyle PS, near Ballybogey.

"Electronic signs advise motorists of the limit. The signs will only be activated during the specified periods," said the Roads Service.

The speed limits are a pilot project which will end in June 2010.

The Roads Service researched safety measures outside schools across Europe and concluded that the Scottish approach to part-time speed limits should be introduced in NI on a trial basis.

Officials will monitor the speed of passing traffic at the schools throughout the year to help them judge the effectiveness of the project.

The PSNI said they will penalise any driver caught going over the limit.

"I believe it will have a positive affect on driving standards and will make roads at both schools safer," said Insp John Millar.

"The new 20 mph speed limit will not reduce the number of cars or pedestrians but it will slow things down and it will give people more time to react, and to prevent collisions from taking place."

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Community reaction to the new speed limits