Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has stressed the critical importance of both partnership working and individual accountability in curbing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland's roads. Her remarks followed a recent meeting with members of the Road Safety Strategic Forum at Newry Fire Station.

"I have been impressed by the collaborative approach of the Forum, and by the passion demonstrated by its members as they seek to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads," Minister Kimmins stated.

The Road Safety Strategic Forum brings together the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) with key stakeholders including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), NI Ambulance Service, and NI Fire and Rescue Service. This collaborative group focuses on improving road safety through initiatives centred on safe people, safe roads, and safe vehicles, supporting the overarching NI Road Safety Strategy to 2030.

Minister Kimmins acknowledged the invaluable insights from first responders, who witness the devastating aftermath of serious road traffic collisions. She also shared her personal experiences of meeting grieving families: "I have also met with grieving families and have heard at first hand how their lives have been absolutely shattered by the sudden loss of a loved one who set out on a journey and did not return home. It is a loss that happens in a split second but a pain that lasts a lifetime." Expressing grave concern over this year’s statistics, the Minister confirmed: "So far this year, 22 people have lost their lives on our roads and that is 22 too many. Road safety is a priority for me, and it is important that no stone is left unturned in the bid to reduce deaths and serious injuries."

To this end, DfI is progressing with Graduated Driver Licensing and is reviewing speed limits in urban areas. Earlier this week, Minister Kimmins announced the latest tranche of 20mph limits at schools. Furthermore, a consultation on stricter laws regarding mobile phone usage in vehicles is currently open, and funding has been allocated for advertising campaigns, including the 'RoadWise Up' series and a recent bus safety campaign.

Minister Kimmins underscored that human error remains the primary cause of fatal collisions. She appealed to the public: "Sadly, the statistics show that the No.1 cause of fatal collisions is human error and that is why, as a society, we must all have honest conversations – not just with others, but with ourselves too – about what we can do as individuals to be safer when we are using the road. We can slow down, we can pay more attention, we can wear our seat belts and we can ignore our phone."

The Minister concluded by expressing her anticipation for continued collaboration with the Strategic Forum as they develop practical and innovative initiatives to enhance road safety across Northern Ireland.