Sinn Féin councillor urges drivers to slow down after near misses
Sinn Féin councillor Brenda Chivers has urged motorists to drive responsibly and slow down, particularly when passing schools, housing estates and on rural roads.
The Limavady representative was speaking after being contacted by concerned parents who have witnessed near misses involving vehicles while their children are getting off school buses.
“I am extremely concerned by the reports I have received from parents. When children are getting off a school bus, motorists need to slow down and be prepared to stop. The same applies when driving past schools and through housing estates, where children and other vulnerable road users can be present.
“A few seconds can make the difference between someone getting home safely and a serious or even fatal accident.
“I will continue to lobby for safer roads and appropriate traffic-calming measures in our rural communities.”
Councillor Chivers added: “Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is proposing a ban on overtaking stopped buses on 60mph roads which will make it safer for children and young people at bus stops.
"She has also introduced the Safer Journeys to School Programme which puts the safety of our children first.
"The combination of legislation, education, engineering and enforcement is the right approach, and alongside a new awareness campaign reminding drivers to slow down and take extra care around school buses will also be launched.
"However, road safety is also the responsibility of every driver, so I would urge them to please slow down, stay alert and remember that our children and other vulnerable road users are using these roads every day.”