Researchers have stated reducing Belfast metropolis pace limits would cut back street deaths and accidents considerably after a scheme on our streets led to a drop in casualties and collisions.
The new research instructed imposing metropolis pace limits of 20mph to cut back street deaths by virtually 1 / 4 and critical accidents by a 3rd.
The 20 mph pace restrict applies to 76 streets in Belfast metropolis centre.
Analysis by numerous UK universities together with teachers from Queen’s College was carried out in Belfast the place it led to a 2% drop within the variety of casualties and collisions on metropolis centre streets after the decrease pace restrict was imposed there.
QUB Professor Ruth Hunter stated: “Metropolis-wide enlargement of 20mph limits in Belfast would doubtless result in additional reductions in casualties, collisions and different vital public well being outcomes.”
It comes because it was revealed 50 folks had been killed on Northern Eire roads in 2021.
The loss of life charge is down from the baseline determine of 126 within the interval between 2004 and 2008 – a discount of 60%.
The most recent determine solely represents an 11% yr on yr drop in comparison with 2020.
The Northern Eire Highway Security Technique (NIRSS) to 2020 reveals 809 folks had been severely injured in street crashes final yr.
That’s up 36% extra in comparison with two years in the past however 27% lower than the baseline determine of 1,111.
The most recent Annual Statistical Report exhibits the variety of critical accidents has dropped significantly because the baseline, regardless of accounting for the biggest yearly share improve between 2020 and 2021.
There have been 80 kids aged between 0 and 15 killed or severely injured in site visitors collisions which was up 25 from 2020.
It marks a drop of 37% in comparison with the baseline determine of 128, however a surge of 45% over the yr.
Within the 16-24 age bracket 180 younger folks had been killed or severely injured on our roads.
That’s 41% greater than 2020 however 51% beneath the baseline of 366.
The Division for Infrastructure has careworn the modifications ought to be considered within the context of lockdown measures throughout the pandemic. Site visitors flows fell significantly from March 2020 earlier than rising once more in 2021 as restrictions eased.