Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has agreed a preferred legislative approach as part of the Safer Journeys to School Programme and intends to bring it to the Executive soon, she announced today. Subject to Executive approval and the necessary processes, the Minister hopes to table legislative proposals in the Assembly this autumn.

The programme aims to develop and deliver measures that reduce fatalities and serious injuries involving schoolchildren when they are boarding or getting off buses. The Minister said tens of thousands of children and young people travel to and from school by bus and that road safety around school transport is a key priority.

Incidents in recent years involving children at bus stops have highlighted the risks when pupils get on or off buses, the Minister said. She noted that children can be particularly vulnerable when they need to cross the road and where factors such as traffic speed, visibility or road layout increase the risk of harm.

At the same time, the Department for Infrastructure launched a new road safety advertising campaign to mark the start of the school year. The two-part campaign reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and take extra care around buses, bus stops and schoolchildren. It also encourages children and young people to be aware of the risks when boarding, leaving buses and crossing the road.

The Minister urged drivers, passengers, parents, carers and children to pay attention to the campaign messages. She said slowing down, staying alert and exercising greater caution around buses and bus stops can help keep children and young people safe.

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster Councillor Ian Milne welcomed the announcement. He said he had been working closely with the Minister and commended her leadership on the road safety work. He paid tribute to Stella McGinn, the mother of Caitlin Rose McMullan, and to other families who have lost loved ones as they travelled to and from school by bus. The councillor said they had campaigned for changes to make journeys safer for others.

Councillor Milne stated that the programme puts the safety of children first and that the combination of legislation, education, engineering and enforcement is the right approach. He welcomed the Minister’s commitment to bringing legislative proposals forward this autumn.