Drivers in Northern Ireland could soon see significant changes to speed limits following the launch of a wide-ranging review by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). A 14-week public consultation opened on 14 January and will run until 22 April, inviting views on whether existing limits remain suitable and how they could be adjusted to improve road safety.

The review forms part of a broader effort to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads. Official figures show 56 fatalities last year, following 69 the year before. The DfI says excessive speed continues to be a major factor in serious collisions, particularly on rural roads, which account for a high proportion of deaths despite carrying lower traffic volumes.

Among the proposals being explored is a wider rollout of 20mph limits in residential and community settings, where evidence suggests slower speeds can make people feel safer. At present, Northern Ireland has relatively few such schemes, mostly limited to advisory zones or roads with traffic-calming features. The review also considers lowering speed limits on certain rural routes, especially single carriageways.

At the same time, the consultation looks at increasing speed limits for heavy goods vehicles. Options include raising HGV limits to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, bringing Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the UK. Officials argue this could improve traffic flow and reduce dangerous overtaking, though public feedback will help shape any final decisions.