New Road Speed Limits in Northern Ireland: What You Need to Know

The Department for Infrastructure has announced changes to road speed limits in Northern Ireland, effective from 6th June 2025, following consultations and without objections. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Key Changes:

1. Restricted Roads:

   • Ardmore Road in Derry/Londonderry is now officially designated as a restricted road. This typically means a speed limit of 30 miles per hour, enforced by street lighting.

2. New 40 mph Speed Limits:

   • Specific sections of roads in Drumahoe, including parts of Glenshane Road, Lismacarol roundabout, and Tirbracken Road, are now subject to a 40 mph speed limit.

3. De-restriction of Certain Roads:

   • Several roads are no longer restricted, meaning they may not follow the typical 30 mph limit associated with street-lit areas. This includes parts of the Dual Carriageway Route A6 in Drumahoe, Claudy, and Dungiven, among others. These sections may now adhere to the national speed limit, which can be up to 60 mph on single carriageways or 70 mph on dual carriageways.

4. Revocations:

   • This Order revokes previous speed limit regulations on specific roads. For example, sections of Ardmore Road, Chapel Road, and Glenshane Road have updated speed limits, now ranging between 30 mph in some areas to 60 mph in others.

What This Means for Drivers:

• Safety First: These changes are likely aimed at improving road safety and traffic flow, so be sure to adhere to the new limits.
• Stay Informed: Watch for new signage indicating speed limit changes, especially if you frequently travel on the affected routes.
• Plan Accordingly: Adjust your travel times and routes if necessary to accommodate for any changes in speed limits.

These updates reflect the government's ongoing efforts to manage road safety and traffic efficiency across Northern Ireland. Always drive safely and pay attention to road signs indicating speed limits.