The IOC is to submit its response to the Department for Infrastructure’s consultation on the Speed Limit Review 2026, setting out a clear position on measures to improve road safety across Northern Ireland. Fellows feedback has been mixed.

IOC response supports an increase to HGV speed limits to 50mph on all single carriageways and 60mph on all dual carriageways, to align with existing HGV speed limits across England and Wales. We believe this measure will improve traffic flow and reduce overtaking risks. The IOC also supports the adoption of a more ambitious approach to urban speed management, particularly the introduction of 20mph limits in built-up residential areas. This would include 20mph speed limits outside schools and in areas which are currently traffic calmed. However, we have underlined the importance of excluding arterial ring roads from these limits, as this would lead to congestion and increased travel times for drivers and commuters. The IOC is a staunch supporter of measures to improve road safety across the UK and awaits the outcomes of this consultation with interest.

IOC responds to Northern Ireland’s Speed Limit Review - Speed limits on some of Northern Ireland’s roads could be cut to 20mph under new proposals aimed at reducing road deaths. Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure launched a 14-week public consultation seeking views on speed limits in January. The consultation will close on 22nd April 2026 and seeks views on three key areas: 20mph speed limits; a national speed limit on single carriageway rural roads and dual carriageway roads and speed limits for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The IOC welcomes the opportunity to support measures which improve road safety across the UK and will be responding to the consultation later this month.

If you’d like to know more about the consultation proposals and how to respond visit https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/speed-limit-review-2026