AQW 43016/22-27
Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim
Tabled Date: 24/03/2026
Answered On Date: 03/04/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any assessment her Department has carried out on road safety on rural roads.
Answer:
Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and with approximately 90% of our road network being classed as “B” or “C” roads, rural roads are a keen focus for analysis and improvement initiatives. My Department commissioned analysis of Killed and Serious Injury (KSI) collisions in the North between 2019 and 2023. This research showed that 70% of speeding KSI collisions occurred on rural roads. New, mainly young, drivers are over-represented in KSI collisions in NI. This is particularly evident on rural roads. Between 2020-2024, a car driver aged 17-23 was involved in 30% of rural road KSIs. The most frequently reported principal causation for KSI collisions caused by drivers aged 17-23 is excessive speed. The Graduated Driver Licensing scheme I am introducing in October this year is designed to improve road safety for new drivers, particularly young drivers aged 17-23, and reduce KSI collisions. It is likely that any KSI reductions would be proportionally greater in rural areas where speed limits tend to be higher than in urban areas and the consequences of collisions at speed can be more severe. I am also taking forward a review on a number of speed related matters, including consideration of the lowering of speed limits on rural roads, which is now open for consultation. I would encourage you to contribute to this significant and important piece of work. Details can be found at Speed limit review launched by DfI | Department for Infrastructure. As reflected in my Department’s Road Safety Strategy 2030, we will continue to work with colleagues in the south/Irish Government to tackle the death toll across the island and to address any cross-border road engineering and speed concerns. Road safety is regularly discussed at the North South Ministerial Council - Transport Meetings, where opportunities for effective collaboration on proposed cross-border initiatives are considered. I am also aware that our road network, the majority of which is considered to be rural, is in need of investment. A public consultation has now concluded on my draft Road Maintenance Strategy, which seeks to improve the overall condition of the road network and enhance safety and quality, as a means of improving resilience. The Strategy proposes a targeted programme of intelligent maintenance investment, supported by a more sustainable maintenance regime. In addition, I have invested heavily through the Roads Recovery Fund, a significant proportion of which is focused on addressing the condition of rural roads and supporting local connectivity. However, I have been clear that these initiatives alone cannot address the consequences of many years of underinvestment. I will therefore continue to work with Executive colleagues to secure appropriate levels of funding to improve the quality of our roads and to support delivery of the priorities set out in the Programme for Government.
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