New laws around school buses to be introduced across NI after tragedy
Legislation prohibiting the overtaking of school buses while they are stopped to drop off or pick up passengers is to be introduced, the Infrastructure minister has confirmed.
Liz Kimmins said she was bringing in the measures to 'improve safety for children here' and said the introduction of new legislation came in the aftermath of 'recent tragic events'.
In March, 11-year-old Caitlin-Rose McMullan, a first-year pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt died from her injuries after being struck by a car after she got off her school bus.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, her mother Stella later called for the authorities to do more to save lives.
Today, Ms Kimmins said she was 'committing to introducing legislation to help prevent more lives being devastated'.
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.
The minister explained under the new measures, fixed penalty notices will be issued to drivers who fail to operate these lights as required.
The department said it is intended that these new fixed penalties will be available for use by the beginning of the new school term in September.
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