Infrastructure Minister has announced her intention to
bring forward legislation which will prohibit overtaking school
buses which have stopped to drop off or pick up their passengers.
Minister Kimmins said: “Road safety is a priority for me,
and recent tragic events have highlighted the need for all of us
to be cognisant of the safety of children when they are getting
on or off school buses.
“Having asked officials within the Department to explore
the issue, it is now my intention to introduce legislation which
will prohibit the overtaking of school buses. It is incumbent on
drivers to take extra care around buses, and this was highlighted
by my Department's most recent advertising campaign. However, I
believe strengthening the law around this issue is an important
step in further improving safety for children here.
“Too many families have had their world shattered by
receiving the worst possible news after a loved one has set out
on a routine journey.
“I have met grieving families and heard their
heartbreaking stories. I am committing to introducing legislation
to help prevent more lives being devastated.
“Whilst legislation is being prepared, there are actions
we can all take that will help us reach our goal - take more care
on the roads, slow down and ignore our mobile phones.
“Have conversations about our shared responsibility as
road users with our family and friends to ensure road safety
messaging reaches as wide an audience as
possible.”
The Minister added: “The Department is using other
measures to improve road safety including 20mph zones around
schools and work on the delivery of the Graduated Driver
Licensing scheme."
Minister Kimmins has also confirmed measures will be put in place
to reinforce existing policy around the proper use of signs and
lights on buses carrying children to and from school.
Under these new measures, fixed penalty notices will be issued to
drivers who fail to operate these lights as required. It is
intended that these new fixed penalties will be available for use
by the beginning of the new school term in September.
