A widespread programme of 20mph zones across Belfast is key to the city’s recovery from the Coronavirus shock, a councillor has argued.
Alliance Councillor for Ormiston Ross McMullan said a wider roll out of more 20mph zones across Belfast could lift the city as a greater push is put on active travel - making journeys by more physical means, like walking or cycling.
Councillor McMullan points to the decision this week by Dublin City Council, which had cross party support for reduction of speeds in all arterial routes across the city to 30km per hour, which is just under 20mph.
He said: “The Minister has made it clear that transport is going to look different in a post Covid-19 era. The lockdown has seen quieter roads on main arterial roads, built-up areas and residential streets too, with more people having the confidence to cycle than before.
“With lockdown currently easing, social distancing will be a feature of our daily lives for some time. We need to ensure that our streets are accessible and safer for everyone and that the days of prioritising the car over other means of travel are over.”
A number of streets in Belfast city centre have been piloted with a 20 mph zone, as part of the executive’s Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy. Published in March 2011, the document outlined the key road safety challenges to be addressed by Stormont between 2010 and 2020.
Councillor McMullan added: “With more people being encouraged to seek alternative modes of transport, we must have the infrastructure in place to protect and enhance the environment for the greater number of walkers adhering to social distancing and cyclists.
“The Department has made great commitments which I hope they can follow through on. Alliance will be pushing to see the results of the pilot programme published and will be encouraging the Minister to actively engage in rolling this project out across greater Belfast.”
Party Group Leaders from Belfast City Council this week had a remote meeting with the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon about working in partnership to deliver on active travel and the green recovery. The minister said she was “committed to delivering for communities across our city and across the North.”
Queen’s University last year published the largest and most comprehensive study to be undertaken in the UK looking into the effects of 20mph speed limits and speed zones.
Dr Ruth Hunter from the university’s Centre for Public Health said: “Our findings show a growing body of evidence to support the use of 20mph zones, showing them to be effective in reducing the number and severity of collisions and casualties.
"Our research also found an increase in participants walking and children cycling spontaneously in 20mph zones, indicating the potential indirect positive impact on physical activity.”
