Latest news with #LizKimmins
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Older drivers face £2,500 fine for breaking rules amid new crackdown on 'errors'
Elderly drivers may be impacted by a new campaign against driving errors, which focuses on encouraging drivers to declare illnesses or eyesight problems that can affect their driving Drivers have been warned they could be hit with a massive fine for failing to disclose medical conditions correctly – which can lead to deadly consequences on UK roads. It follows the launch of a major campaign, which was aimed at raising awareness around the fitness to drive. The campaign, which was introduced by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, is particularly focussed on elderly motorists and those with health conditions. It also hopes to address increasing concerns about road safety across the country. Infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins highlighted the necessity of the campaign, stating that "too many people are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year." She added that, based on evidence, over 95% of road deaths are due to human error. She said: "This campaign is a reminder to us all to keep ourselves and others safe on the roads by making sure we follow the appropriate steps in the event of illness or eyesight issues.' She also warned that if people do not change their attitudes when driving on British roads, the death toll will continue to rise, as reported by GB News. As part of the campaign, social media platforms will be utilised to reach drivers directly, and will point out crucial information about how to keep in line with road safety standards. Kimmins added that the campaign "reminds us of our personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe." As such, it contains two components which are aimed at covering different aspects of road safety. The first component, 'Keep Yourself Right', is designed to remind drivers to take appropriate steps when experiencing health conditions or eyesight issues. This is because these can impact their driving ability. They are also highlighting the importance of keeping driving licence details up to date. This includes bringing attention to the specific requirements that apply to drivers aged over 70, in which they are required to renew their license every three years. Meanwhile, the second part, 'Time to Talk', focuses on those who have concerns about another person's ability to drive safely and hopes to encourage honest conversations between family members and friends about driving capabilities. Under UK law, all drivers suffering from medical conditions affecting their driving ability must inform the Driver and Vehicle Agency. Failure to comply is an offence punishable by fines up to £1,000. However, the agency has warned that those making false claims over their health may face an even steeper penalty and can be hit with fines of up to £2500.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Cops seize flick knife and drugs from bus passenger in Belfast
A spokesperson for the PSNI said officers from the Safe Transport Team had been conducting patrols on board the Glider network A flick knife and drugs were seized from a passenger on the Glider bus in west Belfast on Friday, police have said. A spokesperson for the PSNI said officers from the Safe Transport Team had been conducting patrols on board the Glider network. "During our patrols many people commented how they were pleased to see Police on board services due to ongoing anti social behaviour concerns,' they said. PSNI conducting Glider patrol - 25th July, 2025 'Whilst on board, officers detained one male passenger for a search and located a small quantity of Class B Drugs and more concerningly, a flick knife. "The dangers of carrying a knife are self explanatory and can some times lead to tragic consequences. The male will now be investigated for these offences. It comes after Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins outlined plans in February to extend the Glider service to north and south Belfast. As part of the development, there will be more 'bus priority measures' in the city. And there is anger after two elements of the scheme were dropped for now, with plans to run the Glider to Carryduff, and separately to Glengormley, not proceeding. The full scheme will not be completed until 2030 at the earliest. The Glider service of tram-like buses opened in September 2018. It currently runs from the McKinstry roundabout in west Belfast to Dundonald park-and-ride in east Belfast via the city centre. A second line connects the city centre to the Titanic Quarter. File photo of a Glider Ms Kimmins said the Glider 'has been a huge success' and has helped transform and modernise public transport services in east and west Belfast. She said extending the service to the north and south will bring 'the benefits of the Glider service to communities living along this route'. But there was anger after plans to extend the service beyond Cairnshill Park and Ride to Carryduff, and separately to Glengormley, were dropped. Ms Kimmins said that funding and feasibility studies led her to conclude "that any extension of the Glider service beyond Cairnshill Road Park and Ride towards Carryduff is not economically viable at this time but will be re-examined when further development along this route is realised'. She also said that 'significant congestion within Glengormley', as well as the pending public realm scheme and limited funding 'make it challenging to extend the service into Glengormley'. Flick knife recovered by PSNI from Glider bus on 25th July, 2025 Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 27th
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI seize knife and drugs from Glider passenger in west Belfast
A flick knife and drugs were seized from a passenger on the Glider bus in west Belfast on Friday, police have said. A spokesperson for the PSNI said officers from the Safe Transport Team had been conducting patrols on board the Glider network. "During our patrols many people commented how they were pleased to see Police on board services due to ongoing anti social behaviour concerns,' they said. 'Whilst on board, officers detained one male passenger for a search and located a small quantity of Class B Drugs and more concerningly, a flick knife. "The dangers of carrying a knife are self explanatory and can some times lead to tragic consequences. The male will now be investigated for these offences.' It comes after Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins outlined plans in February to extend the Glider service to north and south Belfast. As part of the development, there will be more 'bus priority measures' in the city. And there is anger after two elements of the scheme were dropped for now, with plans to run the Glider to Carryduff, and separately to Glengormley, not proceeding. The full scheme will not be completed until 2030 at the earliest. The Glider service of tram-like buses opened in September 2018. It currently runs from the McKinstry roundabout in west Belfast to Dundonald park-and-ride in east Belfast via the city centre. A second line connects the city centre to the Titanic Quarter. Ms Kimmins said the Glider 'has been a huge success' and has helped transform and modernise public transport services in east and west Belfast. She said extending the service to the north and south will bring 'the benefits of the Glider service to communities living along this route'. But there was anger after plans to extend the service beyond Cairnshill Park and Ride to Carryduff, and separately to Glengormley, were dropped. Ms Kimmins said that funding and feasibility studies led her to conclude "that any extension of the Glider service beyond Cairnshill Road Park and Ride towards Carryduff is not economically viable at this time but will be re-examined when further development along this route is realised'. She also said that 'significant congestion within Glengormley', as well as the pending public realm scheme and limited funding 'make it challenging to extend the service into Glengormley'.
BBC News
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Seapark beach: Double yellow lines to be installed at parking spot
Double yellow lines are set to be installed at a popular beachfront hotspot in an effort to stop drivers from abandoning their cars in residential beach in Holywood, County Down, attracts beachgoers hoping to enjoy the warmer weather – but local residents have complained of traffic is a car park but it can overflow during the busier days with drivers parking along the narrow Seapark Road, Seapark Lane and Seapark a letter from Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, it was outlined the double yellow lines would be painted in "the coming weeks subject to available resources". "As a result of this, these double yellow lines should help reduce parking allowing for better traffic progression entering and leaving the A2 resulting in reduced queuing onto the A2," she said in her letter to North Down assembly and Environment Minister Andrew added that Department for Infrastructure officials would monitor the situation after the lines are installed to "determine whether further restrictions are appropriate". 'Main road is quite tight' As Northern Ireland basks in glorious sunshine, there was a mixed reaction to the news of the incoming double yellow lines from those enjoying the weather at Seapark Grimley, from west Belfast, was on her first visit to the beach and said she was lucky getting parked in the car park as another vehicle had pulled out of a space."I could see the main road though was covered in cars and it is quite tight," she also expressed sympathy for residents over the parking situation, saying: "I know if I was living there, it would be a pain." John Compston was enjoying the sunny weather with his granddaughter Atlanta said he could understand locals being "fed up" with the situation."But you would think there would be another way of putting more car parking spaces in somewhere along the way," he asked about their parking experience, Atlanta said: "It's kind of the same as it is at Helen's Bay... at the end of the day, you pay road tax and it's people coming to enjoy the beach."Double yellows are only really necessary if you're offloading." 'Significant measures needed' Alliance councillor Gillian McCollum welcomed the upcoming installation of the double yellow lines but believes "significant infrastructure measures" are needed within Seapark to accommodate the main concern was emergency vehicle access on extremely busy days."It creates a gridlock situation when the road is reduced to a single lane and cars then become backed up right up on to the A2 and that creates a situation where emergency vehicles would have no hope of accessing the area," she added that she would like to see more beachgoers using public transport."We would like people to be mindful that this is a highly residential area and these residents have been literally plagued with this problem for several years and we would like people to be considerate," she said. 'Not a silver bullet' Councillor Alan Graham, from the Democratic Unionist Party, said he understood the frustrations of those opposing the double yellow lines."I can imagine a mother and father with children and the hustle and bustle of getting them out of the car, getting the packs on them and not being able to get parked - it's very frustrating," he added that the double yellow lines were not a silver bullet to the traffic bedlam."There's a tension between increasing car parking space and taking up green grass," he said. "I believe there is a balance."I would be reasonably sympathetic to extending the car park to accommodate more people."
Belfast Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Strike action threat could derail golf fans heading to The Open in Portrush
Around 280,000 spectators are expected at the North Coast venue over the tournament and practice days, which will be the biggest sporting event ever to be held in the country. The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has said strike action is planned for Friday and Saturday, July 18-19, for some of its members, which could halt Translink's rail service to the town. Strike action is part of an ongoing pay dispute with Translink. An offer to settle, received on Wednesday from Translink, was rejected by members, with services across Northern Ireland set to be affected. Members who work in supervisor grades (including railway controllers), as well as clerical, management, professional and technical grades (MPT), overwhelmingly voted for both strike action and action short of a strike. Within supervisor grades at NI Railways, over 90% voted in favour of strike action, with similar results in other areas, including Ulsterbus and management grades at NI Railways, with over 80% support. 'We are keen to meet Translink to resolve the ongoing disputes for all our members,' said TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust. 'However, so far, the company has only made an inadequate offer to the supervisor grades and completely ignored our clerical and MPT members. This is not the way to resolve a pay dispute. 'I met the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, last week to impress the urgency of this issue. 'Regrettably, it seems that both Translink and the minister are sitting on their hands and hoping that these disputes will go away. That's simply not going to happen. 'Ultimately the responsibility for any disruption during The Open rests with Translink and the minister. 'All we are asking for is the same deal that has been offered to other staff in Translink. The company is trying to fob us off with less, but TSSA members have shown, with their overwhelming support in the ballot for strike action, that they are not prepared to accept that. 'TSSA urges Translink to return to the table immediately with a fair and meaningful offer for all our members. Otherwise, we'll see them on the picket line.' If the industrial action goes ahead, it would involve widespread disruption to rail services, not just in Portrush. Who is Rory McIlroy and what is golf's Career Grand Slam? Translink has planned special buses and trains to Portrush, while maintaining approximately 13,000 services a day across the network. The first official practice day at The Open is Sunday, with the four-day championship teeing-off on Thursday. About 300 Translink workers are in the union, which issued a warning last month that events such as The Open could be impacted if members take industrial action due to no settlement having been agreed. A Translink spokesperson said: 'We continue to engage with our trade union TSSA to reach an agreement that will not impact passenger services.' 'The union and Translink are still in negotiations in the hope a resolution can still be found ahead of next week's tournament. 'Thousands of golf fans are expected to travel from the Republic of Ireland, with the more frequent train service to and from Dublin making transportation to and from the venue easier.'
