SDLP Calls For Stricter School Bus Safety Laws

The SDLP is urging the introduction of new road safety laws in Northern Ireland to better protect children getting on and off school buses.

The call comes in the wake of the death of 11-year-old schoolgirl Caitlin-Rose McMullan, who was tragically killed in Castledawson earlier this month.

At a Mid Ulster District Council meeting, SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn proposed a motion advocating for Northern Ireland to adopt legislation similar to that in place in the United States, which prohibits drivers from overtaking a school bus once it has stopped. The motion, seconded by fellow SDLP councillor Denise Johnston, received cross-party support, and the council will now write to the Infrastructure and Education Ministers to request a change in the law.

Councillor Quinn emphasised the urgency of the situation: "The need to address safety concerns around children boarding and getting off school buses has been brought sharply into focus by the tragic death of local schoolgirl Caitlin-Rose McMullan, but this is not an issue that has sprung up overnight." He added that he had witnessed numerous near misses involving cars passing stopped school buses and that current legislation does not prevent this. Drawing comparisons with other countries, Councillor Quinn pointed out: "In Canada and America, the law is crystal clear: when the bus stops, traffic stops - no exceptions. In Germany, cars pass stopped buses at walking pace, a rule embedded in driver training. These aren't complicated measures - they're common sense, proven ways to protect lives and we must follow suit here." He concluded by stressing the need to create a safe zone around children exiting school buses to provide reassurance to parents and send a clear message against reckless driving near children.

Councillor Johnston highlighted the motivation behind the motion, stating: "We brought forward this motion after speaking to Caitlin's mother Stella who wants to see action to make sure that no family ever has to experience the heartbreak they have been dealing with over the past few weeks." She praised the strength and bravery of Caitlin's family in their determination to prevent similar tragedies.

Ms Johnston also spoke of the widespread sadness and frustration in the area following Caitlin's death, particularly regarding the lack of adequate road safety laws around school buses. She urged Executive Ministers to consider the proposals and the united voice of councillors in Mid Ulster, saying: "Executive Ministers must listen to these proposals, to the unified voice of councillors in Mid Ulster and act to bring forward new laws to ensure that when our children go to school in the morning they come home safely in the evenings."