Minister Kimmins visits Erne Integrated College to discuss road safety

Date published: 8 December 2025

Fifty people have lost their lives on our roads this year, with nine lives lost in November alone.

The Minister said: 

“Too many families, friends and communities are devastated by serious and fatal road traffic collisions and I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads. That is why it is so important for me to visit Erne Integrated College today and to discuss this very important topic.

“As the Minister responsible for the road network, I am very aware of the significant role my Department has on improving road safety and getting that message across to the public and these visits today allow us to have important discussions about making our roads safer for everyone.

“To ensure road safety messaging reaches as wide an audience as possible, I have reinstated the road safety advertising budget, approving an allocation of £1,946,000 for the 2025/26 financial year, an increase of over £1.5m. This has enabled the Department to reinstate a full road safety advertising programme, which addresses children’s safety and the safety of other vulnerable road users, including the recently released anti drug driving campaign, and the point of danger radio and outdoor advertising campaign on children’s safety around buses and anti-drug driving.

“In addition, the Department is taking forward a third tranche of 20mph zones at schools, which is a significant intervention that will help to ensure that children, parents and staff feel safer as they travel to and from school. Officials are also exploring options for permanent 20mph zones in residential areas and near schools.

“Work is also advancing on preparatory work for the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and I hope to be able to announce the anticipated date for its introduction shortly, and I intend to launch a public consultation on speed limits early in the new year to further improve road safety."

Minister Kimmins added: 

“Sadly, the reality is that evidence shows that over 95% of road deaths are due to human error so having discussions like the one we are having today play a crucial role in saving lives by changing road user behaviour. As road users, we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe.”