AQW 52138/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/09/2026
Answered On Date: 30/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any process for identifying rural roads that require road safety intervention, including (i) any criteria for further assessment; (ii) how the severity, frequency and pattern of collisions are weighted; (iii) how issues raised by local communities, elected representatives and other stakeholders are considered; and (iv) how interventions are prioritised for delivery.

Answer:

Road Safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. With approximately 90% of our road network being classed as “B”, “C” or “U” roads, rural roads are a keen focus for analysis and improvement initiatives.

My Department takes an evidence-led and risk-based approach to identifying where road safety interventions are required, including on the rural road network. This approach is informed by road traffic collision data provided by the PSNI, local knowledge from communities, elected representatives and stakeholders, and the professional judgement of my officials. Collision trends, including the frequency, severity and pattern of collisions, are analysed to help identify locations where engineering interventions are most likely to reduce risk and deliver the greatest road safety benefit.

This work is aligned with the Safe System approach set out in my Department’s Road Safety Strategy to 2030, which recognises that road safety is strengthened through safer roads and roadsides, safer speeds, safer vehicles and safer road users. Within this framework, interventions are prioritised where there is clear evidence of safety need and where measures can bring meaningful road safety benefits.

In January 2026 I launched the latest Action Plan that supports the Strategy, setting out 11 Strategic Interventions that aim to make the biggest impact to the current and emerging road safety issues.