AQW 30981/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/09/2025
Answered On Date: 24/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the rationale as to why Northern Ireland has not introduced a hierarchy of road users, despite this being introduced elsewhere in the UK.

Answer:

I am aware that in Britain a substantive update to the Highway Code was made in 2022. The most significant change was the introduction of the concept of a Hierarchy of Users. The intended objective of the Hierarchy was to enhance the safety of those considered to be the most vulnerable by placing greatest responsibility on those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision.

My Department considers any initiatives that can improve road safety however it is imperative that my limited resources are concentrated on areas with the greatest evidence of positive impact. My Department published the Road Safety Strategy on 16 September 2024 and an associated Action Plan. A link to the Strategy and Action Plan is attached for your information.

Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030

Evidence on the impact of the changes to the Highway Code in Britain is not yet available to demonstrate whether these have been effective. It is therefore not currently prioritised within the Road Safety Strategy Action Plan. This will be kept under consideration.