To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any consideration given to representations from local residents when assessing the need for traffic calming measures, particularly when concerns relate to speeding outside surveyed periods.

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.

Requests for traffic calming are considered in accordance with RSPPG_E027 – Road Safety Engineering Procedures. The priority given to a site for traffic calming is a function of the traffic volume, traffic speed, environmental factors and personal injury collision history as detailed in RSPPG E027.

Officials often carry out one hour traffic speed and volume surveys during peak periods. These capture the highest traffic volumes for the assessment. Where the traffic is relatively free flowing during this period it provides a representative assessment of traffic conditions and it generally isn’t necessary to carry out further traffic speed surveys. This will be based on engineering judgement and in more complex cases, my officials will utilise static traffic counters to record both traffic speed and volume throughout the day.

Where peak traffic volumes and collision history are relatively low, even if slightly higher mean vehicle speeds are recorded outside peak periods, this would not increase the assessment score sufficiently for a location to be considered a priority for traffic calming measures.

Officials considered the request for traffic calming at Whitehall Parade and a survey was carried out during the morning peak period, recording a total of 92 vehicles between 7.50am and 8.50am with an average recorded speed of 14.9mph. The relatively low traffic volume indicated free-flow traffic conditions and there was no evidence that vehicle speeds were constrained by congestion. The survey results were therefore considered representative. The location had zero personal injury collisions recorded over the previous 3 years. Regrettably, when assessed against the relevant policy and other competing priorities, Whitehall Parade could not be considered for traffic calming at this time.

My Department recently took forward a review on a number of speed related matters, including 20mph speed limits. The public consultation closed on 22 April 2026 and the final response report is expected to be completed soon.

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