AQW 46258/22-27
Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down
Tabled Date: 14/05/2026
Answered On Date: 01/06/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 32956/22-27, to detail the rationale for the majority of School Keep Clear markings being advisory only and therefore unenforceable by Traffic Attendants.
Answer:
Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools. ‘School Keep Clear’ markings are widely used across the North as an important road safety measure to discourage parking at school entrances, helping to maintain visibility and protect children during peak times. At present, the majority of ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings are advisory and not automatically enforceable as they are not supported by the relevant legislation. The introduction of enforceable restrictions requires a formal Traffic Regulation Order process, including design, consultation and advertisement, and it is important that such action is taken on a proportionate, site-specific basis. The Department therefore prioritises locations where there is clear evidence of road safety risk, persistent obstruction or inappropriate speed, while recognising that advisory markings can in many cases provide an effective deterrent. All locations are kept under review and where concerns remain, consideration can be given to a range of further measures, including enforceable zig-zag markings, waiting restrictions, additional signage, traffic management interventions and part-time 20mph limits. Ballyholme Primary, Ballymagee Primary and Grange Park Primary currently have enforceable markings in the North Down area.
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