A once-in-a-generation opportunity: speed limit proposals for Northern Ireland
Respond through our supporter action
The Department for Infrastructure’s current consultation on speed limits is a crucial opportunity to improve safety on Northern Ireland’s roads.
At Cycling UK, we are focusing on urban speed limits as this is where most walking and cycling journeys happen. We are strongly supporting a balanced approach to speed limit changes.
This is represented as Option 1E in the consultation: introducing 20mph as the default speed limit in built-up areas, with 30mph retained on key arterial routes where appropriate.
Why this matters now
This consultation comes at a time when road safety trends are moving in the wrong direction.
Recent data shows there has been an increase in people killed and seriously injured across Northern Ireland’s road network, alongside particularly worrying rises in serious injuries and child casualties. Without meaningful action, this trend is in danger of continuing and worsening.
That’s why decisive action on speed is needed now.
Support Cycling UK’s response to the consultation
Why we support a practical approach
Most everyday journeys happen on urban roads: where people live, work, shop, and access services. These are also the roads where the greatest potential exists to support walking, wheeling and cycling.
Option 1E offers a practical and effective approach by:
- Making 20mph the default in built-up areas
- Retaining flexibility for higher limits on arterial routes
- Allowing decisions to be made based on how roads are actually used
This strikes the right balance between improving safety and maintaining the function of key routes.
The evidence is clear
There is strong and consistent evidence that lower speeds reduce both the likelihood of collisions and their severity when they occur.
Even small reductions in average speed lead to significant decreases in injury and fatal collisions. Evidence from across the UK and Ireland also shows that 20mph limits can play an important role in creating safer, more inclusive streets.
Have your say
This consultation is an important chance to shape the future of our roads.
We’re encouraging everyone who supports safer, more people-friendly streets to respond – and to back Option 1E as the best way forward.
