To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the current speed limit on the Killyleagh Road, Darraghcross.

Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.

When considering the appropriate speed limit for a road, the Department’s policy is used to ensure speed limits are consistent and motorists are presented with the same speed limit on similar roads. This takes into account factors such as the characteristic of the road, the speed of existing traffic, the degree of frontage development, and road traffic collision data which is monitored using data provided by the PSNI. The speed limit on the Killyleagh Road, Darraghcross is considered to be appropriate.

However, research shows that there is a correlation between speed and the frequency and severity of road collisions and as part of my broader strategy to improve road safety, I have recently launched the public consultation on speed limits.

The consultation will seek views on the wider use of permanent 20mph speed limits, the lowering of national speed limit on rural single and dual carriageways, and alignment of HGV speed limits with other regions.

I would encourage you to contribute to this significant and important piece of work. Details can be found at Speed limit review launched by DfI | Department for Infrastructure.

Concerns about driver behaviour, such as speeding, should be directed to the PSNI on their 101 number.