Drivers could be banned from overtaking stopped buses under new NI safety plans

Drivers in Northern Ireland could soon be banned from overtaking stopped buses — and may even be required to slow dramatically or stop — under new proposals aimed at protecting children during one of the most dangerous moments of their school journey.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a public consultation exploring sweeping changes to how motorists behave when passengers, particularly schoolchildren, are getting on or off buses.

The proposals come in response to tragic incidents in recent years, which have highlighted the risks children face at bus stops — especially when crossing roads or stepping out from behind vehicles.

A major change to road rules

At the heart of the consultation is a proposed new law that would prohibit drivers from overtaking a stationary bus in clearly defined dangerous circumstances.

Currently, Northern Ireland has no specific offence covering this behaviour, with enforcement relying instead on broader dangerous or careless driving laws.

The Department for Infrastructure argues that gap has left children exposed — and that targeted legislation could significantly reduce risk at bus stops.

Crucially, the rule would apply to all buses, not just school transport.

Officials say this reflects real-world travel patterns, particularly in rural areas where children rely on standard public services and where drivers cannot easily distinguish between school and regular buses.

The hidden “danger zone” putting children at risk

The consultation identifies a critical “danger zone” around buses — the area where children are most vulnerable.

This includes moments when:

• Children step out from in front of or behind a bus

• Visibility is blocked for approaching drivers

• Pupils cross the road unexpectedly

It is in this zone that many of the most serious and fatal incidents have occurred.

Minister Kimmins said:

“Sadly in recent years, tragic incidents involving children at bus stops have highlighted the risks that can arise when passengers are getting on or off buses.

“These moments present a period of particular vulnerability, especially where children may need to cross the road and where traffic speed, visibility or road layout increase the potential for harm.”

Even passing a bus could be restricted

Beyond overtaking, the consultation goes further — exploring whether drivers should face restrictions when passing a stopped bus from the opposite direction.

Options under consideration include:

• Requiring vehicles to slow to very low speeds

• Introducing stop requirements in certain conditions

• Expanding protections similar to international “school bus stop” laws

Such measures would represent a significant shift in how traffic flows around buses across Northern Ireland.

Rural roads under particular scrutiny

The proposals are especially relevant to rural communities, including areas across Ballymena and Mid and East Antrim, where risks are heightened.

The consultation highlights that many rural routes involve:

• Buses stopping directly on the carriageway

• Higher traffic speeds

• Blind bends and crests

• Limited footpaths or lighting

These conditions can create a perfect storm of reduced visibility and reaction time for drivers — increasing danger for children travelling to and from school.

Gaps in data — but action still urged

In a notable admission, officials acknowledge that Northern Ireland does not currently collect detailed data on incidents at bus stops.

Collision reports do not routinely record whether:

• A bus was stopped

• A child was crossing

• A vehicle was overtaking or passing

Despite this, the Department says international evidence and local experience provide a strong enough case for action.

More changes under consideration

The consultation also explores additional safety measures, including:

• Upgrading or standardising bus warning lights

• Introducing part-time speed limits on school routes

• Piloting new rules in high-risk locations before wider rollout

However, officials warn of possible unintended consequences, such as drivers braking suddenly, attempting to overtake earlier, or increased traffic queues on rural roads.

Minister urges public to have their say

Minister Kimmins said the proposals form part of a wider effort to improve road safety through legislation, education, engineering and enforcement.

“I will also bring forward a comprehensive package of measures focusing on education, engineering and enforcement to ensure children are safe travelling to and from school.

“Road safety is a high priority for me. I will continue to do all that I can to keep children and everyone safe on our roads.

“I am asking drivers to be aware of when children may be getting on and off buses, or crossing the road and ask you to slow down, be prepared to stop, and be especially vigilant when approaching or passing a bus.

“This is an important day and an important step forward to prohibit overtaking buses to protect our children. I want to commend the strength and determination of the parents who have lost children this way who have campaigned for this.

“This is an important consultation. Please give us your views.”

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At a glance

• New consultation launched on improving safety around buses

• Proposal to ban overtaking stationary buses in dangerous situations

• Rules would apply to all buses, not just school transport

• Further options include slowing or stopping when passing buses

• Rural roads identified as highest risk environments

• “Danger zone” around buses highlighted as key hazard area

• NI lacks detailed data on bus-stop incidents

• Additional measures could include warning lights and speed limits

• Pilot schemes likely before any full rollout

• Public consultation now open for feedback