Ballycastle SDLP Councillor Dónal Cunningham has commended party colleague Pat Ramsey MLA for the progress made on the Private Members Bill which would see the speed limit on residential unclassified streets reduce from 30mph to 20mph.
Mr Ramsey presented his proposed legislation to the Assembly’s Regional Development committee on Wednesday morning.
Councillor Cunningham who has been a strong supporter of the local “Twenty is plenty” campaign and welcomed the pilot 20mph scheme being introduced in the Whitehall area of Ballycastle.
“The main elements of the scheme at Whitehall will consist of the introduction of a 20mph speed limit in the Whitehall area without the addition of traffic calming features. The scheme aims to manage vehicle speeds and driver behaviour.”
“I believe that by reducing the speed limit on designated restricted roads we could act positively to reduce collisions and fatalities on our roads. Road injuries are amongst the leading causes of loss of life and disability worldwide, and regionally, a reduction in road related death and injury is a major aim of public policy.
“Guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended the introduction of 20mph speed limits and zones as an important way of improving safety
“The proposed legislation allows for the Department of Regional Development to issue exemptions for roads which may be unclassified, but that are major thoroughfares, which would allow roads to retain 30mph status.”