Kimmins outlines school bus safety proposals

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced progress on plans to reduce fatalities and serious injuries involving schoolchildren boarding or getting off buses, as part of the Department's Safer Journeys to School Programme.

The announcement comes alongside the launch of a new road safety advertising campaign to mark the start of the new school year.

Minister Kimmins said: "As families prepare for a new school year, tens of thousands of children and young people will once again travel to and from school by bus. Road safety, and the safety of children and young people travelling to and from school, is a key priority for me as Infrastructure Minister. Sadly, tragic incidents in recent years involving children and young people at bus stops have highlighted the risks that can arise when pupils get on or off buses. These are moments when children and young people can be particularly vulnerable, especially if they need to cross the road and where factors such as traffic speed, visibility or road layout increase the risk of harm."

She said that having considered the findings of a recent consultation, she had agreed a preferred legislative approach and intended to bring this to the Executive soon. She added: "Subject to Executive approval and the necessary legislative processes, I hope to bring forward legislative proposals to the Assembly this autumn to reduce the risk for children and young people travelling to and from school." The preferred option, subject to agreement, is a ban on overtaking buses on single-carriageway roads where the national speed limit applies, currently 60mph.

The Department for Infrastructure has also launched a two-part road safety campaign reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert and take extra care around buses, bus stops and schoolchildren, while also encouraging children and young people to be aware of the risks associated with boarding and leaving buses and crossing the road. The campaign can be viewed at www.sharetheroadtozero.com.

Minister Kimmins said: "This campaign is about helping to make journeys to and from school safer by reminding everyone of the need to take extra care around buses, particularly when children and young people are boarding, getting off, or crossing the road. I urge drivers, passengers, parents, carers and children and young people to pay attention to the campaign messages. By slowing down, staying alert and exercising greater caution around buses and bus stops, we can all play our part in helping to keep our children and young people safe."