Proposed ban on overtaking school buses on 60mph roads could reach Assembly this autumn
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Drivers could be banned from overtaking school buses on single-carriageway roads where the national 60mph speed limit applies, under proposed new legislation aimed at protecting children as they get on and off buses.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed she has selected the Department for Infrastructure’s preferred legislative approach following consultation, with plans to bring the proposal to the Northern Ireland Executive before potentially introducing legislation at the Assembly this autumn.
The move forms part of the Safer Journeys to School Programme, developed following tragic incidents involving children and young people at bus stops.
Targeting a particularly dangerous moment
The proposed restriction is intended to tackle the danger pupils can face immediately after leaving a bus, particularly when they have to cross a road and may be difficult for approaching drivers to see.
With schools preparing to reopen and tens of thousands of pupils returning to bus journeys across Northern Ireland, Minister Kimmins said improving safety around school transport was a priority.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
What could change for drivers
The preferred option would introduce a ban on overtaking buses on single-carriageway roads where the national speed limit applies — currently 60mph.
It is not yet law. The proposal must first secure Executive agreement and then pass through the necessary legislative process.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins
Minister Kimmins said:
“Having considered the recent consultation findings, I have agreed a preferred legislative approach and intend to bring this to the Executive soon.
“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.”
If progressed, the change would represent a significant new rule for motorists using Northern Ireland’s rural and higher-speed single-carriageway road network, where pupils may board or leave buses at roadside stops.
New safety campaign launches ahead of school return
Alongside the proposed legislation, the Department for Infrastructure has launched a new road safety advertising campaign timed to coincide with the beginning of the new school year.
The two-part campaign is aimed at both motorists and young passengers.
Drivers are being reminded to slow down, stay alert and take extra care around buses, bus stops and schoolchildren, while children and young people are being encouraged to recognise the risks when boarding or leaving buses and crossing roads.
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.”
The Safer Journeys to School campaign can be viewed here.
For families and motorists, the immediate message ahead of the new school term is to take particular care whenever a school bus stops. The bigger change could follow later this year, when MLAs may be asked to consider putting the proposed overtaking ban into law.
