UP to 100 schools are to benefit from new 20mph speed limit zones.
They are part of a package of measures unveiled by infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon.
Such zones are designed to be "self-enforcing" by installation of traffic calming measures to lower the speed limit.
This may include speed humps, chicanes, road narrowing or planting to physically and visually reinforce the shared nature of the road.
Belfast Healthy Cities, the World Health Organization representative in Belfast, welcomed the announcement.
It has been working with Queen's University Belfast and other institutions on the Is 20 Plenty for Health research project, It has examined the impact of 20mph roads in key locations. This work has shown a clear and tangible benefit from these zones, particularly for the safety and wellbeing of children.
"It is extremely important that all public spaces are made as safe as possible for all pedestrians, particularly children, and this has been a key aspect of our work on child friendly places," said Chief Executive Joan Devlin.
"This includes the areas surrounding our schools. Slowing of traffic and ensuring the most appropriate signage and crossing points are essential in these places, and we hope that we can share the findings of this project with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that the best outcome for school children is delivered."
