Robinson says to DRD Minister - “You have told me you have the power, so do it - bring in 20 mph limits in built-up areas”
Ken Robinson MLA, Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for East Antrim, has called for a comprehensive review to be undertaken by the Department of Regional Development into the province-wide establishment of 20 mph zones in built up areas.
“I recently asked the Minister for Regional Development if his department had the power under current legislation to introduce 20 mph speed limits in towns, villages, cities and built-up areas, particularly near schools. He has now confirmed to me that his department already has the power to do this.”
“Now that he has confirmed to me that he has the power to do it, I am calling on the Minister to act. To begin with, he should set up a province-wide review of potential 20 mph zones in our most heavily populated areas. Speed kills and only a 20 mph limit enforced across the entire province in what might be called black spots in heavily built up areas will get the message across.”
“A survey by the Transport Research Laboratory of 20mph zones across the UK and in other European countries found child road accidents fell by 67%, cyclist accidents by 29% and traffic flow by 27%. It has also been shown that a driver travelling at 20mph is able to come to a sudden stop in about half the time of one driving at 30mph.”
“This is Road Safety week and it would be a good time for the Minister to act or at least declare his intention to act. It would help increase the profile of the decision and it would show that the Executive cared about this issue, given our appalling road safety record.”