From September, there could be a new driving regulation that drivers will have to follow in Northern Ireland
09:16, 11 Jun 2025Updated 11:00, 12 Jun 2025
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Motorists in one part of the UK should prepare themselves for new driving rules set to take effect in September, including a prohibition on certain behaviours.
Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has unveiled proposals for fresh legislation that will outlaw the overtaking of school buses at stops.
The upcoming law also seeks to reinforce current regulations concerning the proper use of bus signage and lighting.
Minister Kimmins warned that drivers failing to correctly utilise these lights will face fixed penalty notices under the new system.
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Minister Kimmins commented: “Road safety is a priority for me, and recent tragic events have highlighted the need for all of us to be cognisant of the safety of children when they are getting on or off school buses.”
She also conveyed her commitment by saying, “Having asked officials within the Department to explore the issue, it is now my intention to introduce legislation which will prohibit the overtaking of school buses.”
Highlighting the duty of drivers around buses, she mentioned her Department’s latest advertising campaign.
However, she stressed that implementing tougher laws is an essential step towards enhancing the safety of children, reports Yorkshire Live.
“Too many families have had their world shattered by receiving the worst possible news after a loved one has set out on a routine journey,” she added.
In showing support for those impacted by road tragedies, she stated, “I have met grieving families and heard their heart-breaking stories. I am committing to introducing legislation to help prevent more lives being devastated.
“Whilst legislation is being prepared, there are actions we can all take that will help us reach our goal – take more care on the roads, slow down and ignore our mobile phones.
“Have conversations about our shared responsibility as road users with our family and friends to ensure road safety messaging reaches as wide an audience as possible.”
The Minister went on to say: “The Department is using other measures to improve road safety including 20mph zones around schools and work on the delivery of the Graduated Driver Licensing scheme.”