Derry MLA calls on ministers to act on sharing of road collision images

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has called on both the Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister of Justice calling for strengthened powers to prohibit the sharing of images and footage from the scenes of road traffic collisions.

Mr Durkan said the spread of graphic images online continues to cause trauma for families who have lost loved ones on the roads.

The MLA for Foyle said: "The speed at which horrific images are taken and shared online after road incidents is deeply distressing. In some of the most tragic cases, families have found out that a loved one has been killed or seriously injured through a social media post. That is an unimaginable shock and an utterly cruel way to receive such devastating news.

"There must be stronger protections in place to prevent these images being circulated. I have written to both the Infrastructure Minister and the Justice Minister about how we can move toward ending this practice.

"I continue to support Road Victim Support NI-Donegal who have fought courageously and compassionately for change. Caoimhe’s Law is a vital step toward protecting families from further trauma. I’m encouraged to have received a positive response from the Infrastructure Minister and urge Minister Kimmins to work with the Justice Minister on this matter.

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The SDLP motion called on the Assembly to make it an offence to record or share images and videos of victims at the scene of fatal road traffic collisions.

"I will continue to fight for safer roads and for an end to the needless sharing of images that only cause further pain and suffering for families.”