Families who have lost children in tragic incidents involving school buses have expressed strong support for planned legislative changes designed to enhance road safety during school journeys. The proposed measures, if approved by the executive, would prohibit vehicles from overtaking buses while passengers are boarding or alighting on rural roads with speed limits of 60mph or higher.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has signalled her intention to present these legislative proposals to the Assembly during the autumn session. Currently, no legal requirement exists anywhere in the United Kingdom obligating vehicles to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading pupils.
The initiative, known as the Safer Journeys to School Programme, represents a response to multiple fatal incidents involving young people over recent years. According to police statistics cited in March 2026, nearly 700 individuals aged four to 18 have been killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland roads during school term time since 2020.
Caitlin Hogg, aged 13, was struck by a vehicle after exiting her school bus in County Fermanagh during December 2022. Her father Bob Hogg has become an advocate for legislative reform and welcomed the government's action.
As a family we've been actively engaged in discussions along with other affected families in urging for change. So, it's very encouraging for us to see that there's been a huge response to the public consultation and also that Liz Kimmins is bringing a legislative proposal to the assembly.
The family of Caitlin-Rose McMullan has similarly embraced the proposed changes. Caitlin-Rose, who was 11 years old, died in March 2025 after being struck by a car while disembarking from a school bus metres from her residence in Castledawson, County Londonderry. Her mother, Stella McGinn, has campaigned persistently for legal reform since her daughter's death.
McGinn described the announcement as a significant moment in her long struggle for change. She expressed her determination to prevent other families from experiencing the devastation she has endured.
To get the country behind me and to have the country a safer place now for the kids going back to school is a good day. I have no doubt it's going to save children's lives and I'm doing this because I don't want any other parent living this nightmare that I'm living.
What are the proposed changes?
The proposed legislation would establish a ban on overtaking buses when passengers are getting on or off on 60mph rural roads. The Department for Infrastructure launched a consultation on 26 March 2026 on the proposed school bus safety laws, with a preferred two-pillar approach covering overtaking a stationary bus and other passing risks. One consideration under review is whether such a ban on passing stopped buses might need to apply to all buses rather than exclusively school vehicles.
Currently, Northern Ireland's road traffic regulations already mandate that vehicles stop for school crossing patrols, but they do not establish a general legal obligation to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading passengers.
What is the timeline for implementation?
Kimmins has indicated that she aims to bring the legislative proposals before the Assembly in autumn 2026, contingent upon Executive approval. The consultation was open until 21 May 2026, and responses were to be considered with further analysis, legal advice and operational engagement before next decisions.
At the launch of the campaign, Kimmins acknowledged the families who had engaged with the department throughout this process.
We have seen too many fatalities on our roads, particularly children going to and from school on school buses. I do really hope that we can get support from my executive colleagues as well as the assembly, but I know there has been a huge appetite to see this legislation coming forward.
What additional measures are being introduced?
Beyond legislative proposals, the Department for Infrastructure has unveiled new road safety advertising campaigns designed to educate drivers, schoolchildren and young people about the importance of safety around school buses. These advertisements encourage drivers to reduce speed, remain vigilant and exercise heightened caution in proximity to buses, bus stops and schoolchildren. The campaign also raises awareness among children and young people regarding the hazards associated with boarding and alighting from buses and crossing roads.
Bob Hogg emphasised that public awareness initiatives carry equal significance to legislative changes. He stressed the necessity of maintaining consistent messaging about road safety.
I'm equally encouraged that there is a public awareness campaign that is running this week ahead of the new school year. But I think for us it's important to sustain that level of awareness. Legislation is one piece, but sustained awareness is critically important, as important as the legislation itself.
The Safer Journeys to School Programme benefited from input provided by children and young people who participated in focus groups to help shape the initiative. This collaborative approach ensured that the voices of young people were incorporated into the design of safety measures intended to protect them.
What happens next?
The minister said the aim was to introduce legislation to the Assembly in autumn 2026, pending Executive approval. Before any final legislative decision is made, the consultation responses must be thoroughly assessed. The Department will conduct further analysis, seek legal guidance and engage with operational stakeholders to determine the most effective approach to school bus safety.
