NI moves closer to new law on overtaking buses after major public response

Northern Ireland has moved a step closer to introducing major new bus safety laws after more than 600 responses were submitted to a consultation aimed at protecting children travelling to and from school.

The Safer Journeys to School consultation — which explored new restrictions on overtaking and passing buses — closed yesterday after receiving 601 responses from the public and stakeholders.

The proposals, brought forward by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, could eventually see drivers banned from overtaking stationary buses in dangerous circumstances, with further options including restrictions on passing buses from the opposite direction.

The consultation follows growing concern over child safety at bus stops after a number of tragic incidents involving children near buses in recent years.

One of the biggest proposed road safety changes in years

If progressed, the measures could represent one of the most significant changes to driver behaviour around buses in Northern Ireland in decades.

The Department for Infrastructure launched the consultation to examine whether clearer and more targeted laws could reduce danger when passengers — particularly children — are boarding or leaving buses.

At the heart of the proposals is concern over what officials describe as a particularly vulnerable period, especially when children cross roads near stationary buses where visibility can be severely limited.

Minister Kimmins welcomed the strong public engagement with the consultation.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to this important consultation,” she said.

“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.”

Rural roads at the centre of the issue

The issue carries particular relevance across rural parts of County Antrim and wider Northern Ireland, where many schoolchildren rely on buses stopping directly on fast-moving roads with limited visibility, few footpaths and little lighting.

Earlier consultation documents highlighted risks linked to blind bends, hill crests and roadside bus stops where children may emerge suddenly from behind vehicles.

The Department has previously warned about the so-called “danger zone” around buses — the area where children are most at risk from approaching traffic while crossing roads or moving around stopped vehicles.

Consultation responses now being analysed

The Department for Infrastructure will now analyse all responses before deciding on the next stage of the policy.

The Minister said public feedback would help shape both legislation and a broader package of safety measures.

“The responses received will play an important role in shaping the next steps, including the progression of legislation and a wider package of measures across education, engineering and enforcement,” she said.

“I am committed to bringing forward measures that will make a meaningful difference to the safety of children travelling to and from school.”

The wider consultation previously explored additional options including upgraded bus warning lights, lower speed limits around school transport routes and pilot schemes in high-risk areas.

The Department has not yet indicated when final recommendations or draft legislation could be brought forward.

Road safety remains a priority

Closing her statement, Minister Kimmins said improving road safety would remain a key priority.

“Road safety is of the utmost importance. I will continue to do all that I can to keep children and everyone safe on our roads.”