The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has submitted its response to the Department for Infrastructure consultation on the Speed Limit Review 2026, setting out a clear, evidence-led position on measures to improve road safety across Northern Ireland. 

In its response, CIHT emphasises that reducing fatalities and serious injuries must remain the foremost priority for any changes to speed limits. CIHT supports the adoption of a more ambitious approach to urban speed management, particularly the introduction of 20mph limits in built-up residential areas. 

CIHT ranked the introduction of 20mph limits in residential streets as its preferred option, highlighting the significant safety benefits for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. CIHT also identified additional advantages such as reduced collision severity, lower emissions, quieter streets, and increased uptake of active travel. 

While acknowledging potential concerns around driver behaviour and journey times, CIHT noted that these can be mitigated through effective public communication and by drawing on established evidence from other regions where 20mph limits are already in place. 

On rural roads, CIHT expressed strong support for reducing the national speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph, citing the potential to reduce both fatal and serious collisions. The Institution also backed targeted reductions on dual carriageways, particularly where road geometry or collision history indicates higher risk. 

Across all areas of the consultation, CIHT underscored the importance of a holistic approach to implementation. The Institution highlighted that enforcement and comprehensive public information campaigns will be essential to ensure compliance and maximise the safety benefits of any new limits. 

Effective speed management is a cornerstone of a safe and sustainable transport system. Managing vehicle speeds to levels appropriate for the road environment is critical to reducing the likelihood and severity of collisions. By aligning speed limits with road function and user needs, and supporting these with engineering, enforcement and education measures, meaningful progress can be made towards eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the network. For more information on safer speeds, please see Wales' 20mph Speed Limit: A Bold Move Towards Safer Streets | CIHT and Progressing the UK towards Safe System implementation | CIHT 

Read CIHT’s full response here.  

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