Nichola Mallon
North Belfast · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I have had the very moving opportunity to meet families who have tragically lost a loved one on that stretch of road. That was an important opportunity for me to hear at first hand their experience and the experiences of the local community as they try to go about their everyday business while living in close proximity to a key transport…”
“I take safety on our rural roads very seriously. My Department continues to be actively committed to improving safety on our roads and to work closely with our road safety partners to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement activities.”
“I thank Mr Muir and all the members of the Infrastructure Committee for very constructive working relationships. At times, those working relationships were tense, but they were always very constructive — I mean that.”
“It was important to me to take forward the motor insurance legislation to try to protect people against a hike of up to £50 in their motor insurance premiums. Members will be aware that I took the decision to freeze any hike in public transport fares.”
“That commenced a consultation process that is open until 6 May. I encourage anyone with an interest in this significant project to make their views known during the consultation period. <BR /> <BR />In advance of the major upgrade, it is important that we do what we can to improve road safety.”
“I have announced my intention to extend the concessionary fares scheme to provide free travel for people with disabilities who currently pay half fare and to new operators who have already indicated or expressed an interest in joining. I am aware that many people with a disability have limited travel options.”
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“That announcement was a milestone for the project, but it was one that belongs to all the families who have campaigned on the issue for so long. As I said to them, I will do all that I can to expedite that vital scheme.”
“I thank the Member for his question and offer him my sympathies on the loss of his friends and colleagues. It is tragic that that road has seen so many fatalities and accidents, and, sadly, the Fire Service, which the Member is a former employee of, attends that location very frequently. <BR /> <BR />On Thursday 28 January, I announced my decision to proceed with the A1 junctions phase 2 road improvement scheme and to release the inspector's report. I was delighted to announce that key step in the development of that significant scheme because it will address safety issues along a 25-kilometre stretch of the A1 between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland. I am aware of how important the A1 improvements are for the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme, especially all those who have lost loved ones.”
“I will continue to make representations to Executive colleagues, the British Government — to honour their NDNA commitments — and to the Irish Government, because we have a number of North/South infrastructure projects that will bring huge economic, social and environmental benefits to all our citizens.”
“I know that the Member has made a number of representations, certainly at least since I took up office, on the importance of the project. He is right that it is important for road safety reasons, but it is also a strategic economic corridor and a commitment in New Decade, New Approach. On the issue of time frames, as soon as I make a decision, that will define the time frame for the next steps, but I am making it clear that I am committed to this project and that I want to see it progress at pace. <BR /> <BR />On funding, I welcome the fact that the Irish Government have reaffirmed their £75 million commitment to the project, and also the fact that the Taoiseach has announced the shared island fund.”
“<BR /> <BR />Following a public inquiry held during February and March of 2020, my Department received an interim report from the inspector in the latter part of last year. My officials have considered the issues raised and recommendations made in that report and have taken legal advice. I have been considering the advice from officials and the legal advice, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement for the next steps in this flagship project in the coming weeks. I assure the Member of my continued commitment to the scheme.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He will know of my commitment to tackling regional imbalance, connecting communities and improving road safety. The A5 project very much aligns with this commitment. The project has been subject to three separate legal challenges since its inception in 2007, the most recent being in December 2017 when a new decision to proceed with a scheme, made in the absence of a Minister, was challenged, leading to the quashing of the statutory orders in November 2018. Since then, my Department has been progressing the necessary work to enable a fresh decision to be made. In spring 2019, an addendum to the environmental statement of 2016, together with other environmental reports, was published for consultation.”
“My officials continue to work closely with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles on the development of transport decarbonisation plans and with the Department for the Economy on the transport elements of the proposed new energy strategy for the North. This work is intended to address strategic energy issues, including the requirement to respond to climate change and to work to deliver on our net zero carbon targets. The climate crisis does not respect borders, and it will only be effectively tackled if we work together at a local and global level.”
“The Member will be aware that we have already worked together to secure, in partnership with the EU, funding under the FASTER programme to deliver more e-charging points across this island. Just this week, I met Minister Ryan again, and we continue to work together on more sustainable all-island infrastructure, including looking at greener and cleaner options such as rail and investment in greenways. <BR /> <BR />I will also be meeting my Scottish and Welsh counterparts later this week to discuss how we can work together to aid the green recovery. I have, on a number of occasions, raised the need for investment in infrastructure with the British Government to help to deliver cleaner, greener, more sustainable ways of travel.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Mr Catney is an avid user of an electric bike, and he will be able to provide testimony on the ease with which he can go up very steep hills. <BR /> <BR />We are willing to consider a public hire scheme as part of the blue/green fund and the work of the walking and cycling champion. We have engaged with councils, and I have made it clear that I would like us to work more closely with them and support the roll-out of their bike schemes. Certainly, I am up for considering whether we can also look at e-bikes as part of that wider scheme.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The utilisation of park-and-rides is extremely high and continues to grow, illustrating the vital role that they can play in supporting the move to more sustainable modes of travel and reduced congestion and air pollution. In the last seven years, my Department has delivered around 3,400 additional park-and-ride spaces at a cost of approximately £16·5 million, which has encouraged a modal shift. I am focused on progressing further park-and-ride provision as a sustainable transport measure. <BR /> <BR />The Member has written to me about the Dungiven park-and-ride. Work is ongoing on the feasibility of potential sites. However, I recognise its importance, and I have asked for work to be completed at pace so that I can make a decision on the next steps.”
“This joint proposal with Scotland, the South and the North aims to install 73 new EV rapid charging points across the island of Ireland and the west of Scotland by 31 March 2023. I have also made changes to the planning system, through permitted development rights, to make it easier to expand the existing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. My officials are working with the Electricity Supply Board to assist with its plans to replace 70 charge points across the North to help to improve reliability. Three new hydrogen buses entered into service on our public transport network in December 2020. These will be followed by 100 zero emission vehicles over the next two years: 80 battery electric buses and 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses.”
“Consideration is also being given to how alternative fuels can be deployed across the transport sector, including the use of compressed natural gas/liquid natural gas for freight; the electrification of transport, including opportunities for greening the public-sector fleet; how green hydrogen can be used to power heavier vehicles other than buses, exploring its potential use in refuse collection and in the marine and retail sectors. <BR /> <BR />To support improvements in the commercial provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, I have been able to support the EU INTERREG-funded Facilitating a Sustainable Transition to EVs in the Regions (FASTER) electric vehicle network project.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Tackling the climate emergency is a global challenge that we all face. As Infrastructure Minister, I have made addressing climate change one of my key priorities. My officials have been working closely with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles on the development of transport decarbonisation plans, and they are leading on the transport elements of the Department for the Economy’s proposed new energy strategy. <BR /> <BR />The work focuses on four main themes: a modal shift that includes active travel options; the electrification of transport; alternative fuels capability; and the future of mobility, which looks at IT solutions, such as Mobility as a Service, and micro-mobility options, such as the use of electric bikes and e-cargo bikes for short journeys and last-mile delivery.”
“While not all COVID-related support schemes have provided a dedicated phone contact, I have asked my officials to provide a telephone contact for the next taxi driver financial assistance scheme so that we can get information quickly to all applicants.”
“We hope to launch the new scheme by the middle of February. As I said in a previous response, I always think that it is right and proper that we as Ministers reflect on our schemes and the learning from that. I accept that it was frustrating for applicants because there was no dedicated telephone line, for example, to ring up and get an update on their application. During the first scheme, all dedicated resources were focused on processing the thousands of applications received as a matter of priority, and applicants were advised to send queries to a dedicated email address. This time around, I am focused, and I have made it clear that I want to see us doing better.”
“In addition to being able to avail themselves of previous business support grants or loan schemes, taxi operators can apply for the part B scheme, provided other eligibility criteria are met. As I said, any successful applications to the scheme will be backdated to the period in which restrictions apply to them. I remain fundamentally of the view that the schemes should be more inclusive, so I will continue to make representations to ensure that taxi drivers, as well as private bus and coach operators, are included in the scheme alongside taxi operators.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I continue to press for the inclusion of the taxi sector in the Department for the Economy-led schemes, especially given that the sector is being further impacted by the current restrictions. I remain fundamentally of the view that the Executive need to take an inclusive and fair approach to the financial support provided for restrictions through the DFE CBRSS and that all eligible businesses should be able to apply. As the Member may be aware, the Department for the Economy's CBRSS was introduced to support businesses that have been affected by the restrictions in place as a result of the health protection regulations.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The scheme was devised with those in the sector. I think that it is on the public record that they had requested a payment of £6,000 over a two-year period. The schemes that I am bringing forward will give £3,000 for one year, thereby meeting that threshold. <BR /> <BR />In respect of the drivers who are shielding, the Member will be aware that the scheme is based on contribution to costs. It is in addition to the self-employed scheme and to the Department for Communities' discretionary support grant scheme, which that Department specifically set up to help all those who are shielding. I am more than happy to make further representations to the Minister for Communities to see whether we can provide additional financial support to all those who have had to shield through this difficult time.”
“I can confirm that taxi operators are eligible for the Department for the Economy's part B COVID restrictions business support scheme (CRBSS). Taxi operators are eligible to apply, and their payments will be made retrospectively to the point at which their business was impacted on by restrictions. The Minister for the Economy has confirmed that in correspondence to me.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I met the private bus and coach operators' representatives again yesterday evening to get their views on what they felt worked with the first scheme and where they felt that there were flaws. We have committed to working with them as we devise the second scheme. I have committed my officials to a follow-up meeting with them to talk about some of the more technical issues that we discussed yesterday evening.”
“In practice, that means that a driver, assuming that he or she had met the criteria fully and had been paid £1,500 during the current scheme, would be eligible for the maximum support of up to £3,000 for the total 12-month scheme. Those who did not have continuous insurance and, therefore, were not eligible for the first scheme will now receive payment on a pro rata basis. That is important in terms of implementing learning and getting help to those taxi drivers who were not able to avail themselves of the first scheme.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The second scheme has reflected on the learning from the first scheme. It will be based on the same principle and sector evidence base in terms of overheads as the first scheme, in that costs would still have to be incurred by the driver, thereby continuing to ensure value for money. However, payments from the second scheme will be made on a pro rata basis, which will better reflect the individual circumstances of and actual costs incurred by each driver. <BR /> <BR />Payments will be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days for which a driver can provide evidence of full insurance, which means that £250 will be paid for every 30 days of full insurance up to a maximum of £3,000 for 360 days.”
“However, some of those applicants responded to the letter and have since provided the necessary information that is required to successfully process their applications to payment. <BR /> <BR />Staff continue to work with a small number of applicants this week to successfully process their applications. To date, that exercise has increased the number of payments that have been made to over 4,200, which means that over 92% of applicants have now received the £1,500 payment. The remaining 370 applicants who were unsuccessful may be eligible for assistance under the next scheme, which is due to launch this month.”
“I thank the Member for his question. On 13 November 2020, following Executive agreement, the taxi driver financial assistance scheme was launched for two weeks and closed on 27 November. The scheme provides financial support for overheads that are incurred by taxi drivers and is in addition to other financial support such as that which is provided through the self-employment income support scheme. <BR /> <BR />Payments began issuing within one week of the scheme closing, and, by 15 January, over 4,100 drivers had received the £1,500 grant, which equates to almost 90% of the valid applications that were received. Rejection letters were issued to the remaining unsuccessful applicants on the same day.”
“As I have already outlined, I am committed to maintaining a public transport network that covers all of Northern Ireland, including our rural areas, for those who need it.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As she is aware, Translink delivers the majority of our public transport network, supported by private transport providers, which play an important role in improving our connectivity throughout the North. Our public transport network is defined in my Department's public service agreement with Translink, and my Department has an obligation under that agreement to fund the delivery of those services. <BR /> <BR />Given the level of support that I have secured in extensive engagement with my Executive colleagues in support of that obligation, our public transport provider is in a stable position to deliver those services, which, I can assure the Member, include a large number of rural services.”
“It is important to get us through COVID, but, as the Member will appreciate, it is also critical in addressing our climate emergency.”
“I thank the Member for raising a very important issue. Translink is very much focused on the here and now and on ensuring that we can provide a secure and safe transport system for all our citizens, regardless of where they live. The Member will be aware of the number of actions that Translink has taken and continues to take, such as the deep cleansing of fleets and ensuring that we have additional capacity on standby to meet social-distancing requirements. <BR /> <BR />As I said in my response to Mr Blair, we are looking across these islands — I am looking across the world — to learn best practices and ensure that we take whatever steps we can to increase passenger confidence and ensure that, when we get to the right point, we can encourage people to use their public transport again.”
“I have engaged with colleagues across these islands and, this week, I will again engage with my ministerial counterparts in Scotland and Wales. We will put our heads together to ensure that we can see a resilient recovery for public transport networks across these islands.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As a Department, we have engaged with Translink to review the impact of COVID-19 and used that assessment to inform our projected requirements. In short, we have used the most up-to-date information that is available to underpin our projections. However, one lesson that COVID-19 has undoubtedly taught us all is that circumstances can change. While I have ensured that our public transport provider is in a stable position to meet the anticipated financial challenges in 2021-22, my Department will keep that under review and will liaise with the Department of Finance throughout the next financial year to ensure that our public transport services are adequately funded. <BR /> <BR />To assure the Member, I take the challenge of the recovery of our public transport system very seriously.”
“I have taken action throughout my time as Minister to underline my commitment, and I have instructed my officials to explore ways to ensure that my Department continues to meet its obligations to Translink’s financial viability under the current public service agreement. That work is ongoing and, to date, has resulted in over £100 million of COVID-19 mitigation funding being provided to support our public transport services and essential workers throughout the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Our public transport and passenger numbers have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The recovery and resilience of our public transport network is a commitment that we all must share as we move through and beyond COVID to tackle the climate crisis. I will continue to work with the Department of Finance and Executive colleagues as 2021-22 unfolds.”
“I am committed to maintaining and developing our public transport network. That is a key priority for me, not only in supporting sustainable modes of transport, which is underpinned by my Department’s significant capital investment in our public transport network, but in contributing where I can to the health and prosperity of our community by encouraging modal shifts towards the widespread use of public transport by our citizens. <BR /> <BR />With that in mind, over the last year, I have engaged extensively with Executive colleagues to address the future financial stability of our public transport network.”
“In fact, it could be argued that, at its current level, it underplays the seriousness of an offence that has the potential to destroy many lives. That is why I am asking Members from across the House to support this important change. It will help to drive change in drivers' behaviour and save lives. As Mr Muir said, this is a "matter of life and death".”
“At just 30 mph, a vehicle will travel 100 feet in 2·3 seconds. That is the length of a jumbo jet or one third of the length of a football pitch. However, as Members said, the illegal use of mobile phones is becoming increasingly common in everyday life. I am sure that each of us can see it happen every day as we are out on our roads. Unfortunately, this plays a major role in driver distraction, which is the most common cause of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The extent of offending suggests that many drivers still refuse to take this offence seriously. Therefore, it has become clear that the current level of penalty, which has been in place since June 2007, no longer represents an active deterrent.”
“It has been a long time coming, but I made it very clear that improving road safety was a commitment for me when I took up the post of Minister for Infrastructure. I am pleased to be able to stand here today, and I hope that Members will support me in making this vital change. <BR /> <BR />Mr Muir expressed frustration around the delay in getting to this point. I assure him, as I did in my initial comments in response to the Chair, that I am committed to reviewing the definition. I agree that we need primary legislative change, and we will advance that agenda as far as we can within this mandate. <BR /> <BR />It may seem harmless to some, but holding or using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury, or even death, to you and other road users. As I said, glancing at a phone for just two seconds doubles the risk of crashing.”
“Supporting messages to create public awareness of the changes will also be delivered using social media, through outdoor advertising and through a radio campaign. The public will be reached and left in no doubt that this is a serious offence, as are the penalties. <BR /> <BR />Mrs Kelly spoke about the tragic deaths in her constituency, along with the role of mobile phone use. My thoughts and sympathies are with all those who have suffered injury and death on our roads. I extend my personal sympathies to Mr Catney, who spoke passionately about the loss of his brother. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that Mr Beggs agrees with the increase in penalty points and fines and that they are proportionate. When the consultation was carried out, 87% of respondents indicated their strong support for an increase in penalties.”
“I will issue a press release to communicate the increased penalty level for the offence, to which the PSNI has contributed. I have also arranged for a media campaign with a re-edit of one of my Department's existing mobile phone information campaigns — Missing — which will incorporate the new penalties. The campaign will air and will inform the public about the changes to penalties, and it will provide an opportunity to reinforce the campaign's messages:”
“It is incumbent on all of us to do everything that we can through education, enforcement and interventions, such as those that I have listed, and road improvement schemes, so I share that ambition with him. <BR /> <BR />I share Mr Boylan's view on the importance of making sure that we clearly communicate those changes to the public. Mrs Kelly and Mr Beggs also raised that issue. If Members are supportive of our efforts on the communication strategy, I will send out a clear signal to society that we will no longer tolerate such dangerous behaviour. I want everyone to know why we are doing what we are doing and that this new penalty is needed to reduce the number of people who think that it is OK to use a mobile phone while driving, despite the harm that this dangerous behaviour can cause.”
“We rolled out road safety grants for communities this year, and work is ongoing on the road safety strategy. I have been very clear, Mr Boylan, that the road safety strategy should align with PFG, and it should be outcomes-based with regard to accountability to make sure that we have the maximum effect. I assure Members that I hold regular meetings with the Chief Constable on road safety to ensure that I am doing what I can as the Minister who is responsible, while working in partnership with the PSNI and communities. <BR /> <BR />Mr Boylan spoke about the high and unacceptable number of deaths on our roads, and he is right. I agree with him that one death is one too many.”
“I welcome the fact that the Committee is signalling its support for that piece of work, and I look forward to continuing to work with Committee members on the agenda for change in the area of road safety. As the Chair indicated, we are rolling out 20 mph zones outside 100 schools. While I have not been given the budget allocation for the next financial year, I have made it clear that my intention is to roll this out to more schools. I believe that we should do everything that we can to make it safe for our children and their parents to walk to and from school. I have also taken action on drink-driving. <BR /> <BR />The Chair mentioned the A1 improvements, but we are also very conscious of the A5. That is a strategic corridor, and it is also hugely important in the area of road safety.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Chair also highlighted, DfT in England is currently consulting on a review of its legislation in respect of the definition of use of mobile phones. I want to make it clear that I have already signalled and asked my officials to scope out work with a view to bringing forward legislative change through primary legislation to make sure that the definition of mobile phone use is as all-encompassing as possible. Mr Muir referred to that in his speech. <BR /> <BR />While it may not be possible to secure the passing of that primary legislation within the remainder of the mandate, we are committed, as a Department, to progressing it as much as we can.”
“I thank the Committee Chair and all Members for this very constructive debate. As the Chair of the Committee outlined, and as a number of Members who spoke brought home to us all, mobile phone use is a key element of driver distraction and is a major causal factor in accidents and death on our roads. The Committee gave consideration to the level of increase in the fine and is supportive of the level that we are increasing to. I think that that is only right because it is important to make the point that you will only be fined if you break the law. As the Chair said, there has been no change in the fine since 2007, and that is despite the fact that we are seeing much greater use of mobile phones. It is a phenomenon that we all see every day when we are out and about on our roads.”
“Today provides us with an opportunity to intervene and to make a real difference to road safety in 2021. With Members' agreement, the statutory rule can, from tomorrow, come into operation alongside the increase to the fixed penalty fine. That change will have no impact on drivers who are already choosing to stay safe and legal in their use of a handheld mobile phone, but six penalty points will provide the necessary consequences for those who deserve it, that is, those drivers who refuse to put their phone away and are willing to risk the safety of everyone they meet on a daily basis. For those reasons, I commend the motion to the Assembly and ask that it affirm the statutory rule.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last year, as part of the policy development process, I met the Chief Constable, and he confirmed his support for my proposed way forward. Also, in late September the Infrastructure Committee had the opportunity to examine the proposal, and it, too, signalled its support. Given the Department of Justice's specific interest in the overall network of offences and penalties, I invited Minister Long to consider any wider implications that the proposal might have. She confirmed that it is commensurate and proportionate. <BR /> <BR />To sum up, the illegal use of a mobile phone while driving is a selfish disregard for the law. It poses a serious threat to not just the driver who made the selfish choice but to many other innocent road users. The consequences can be devastating.”
“That, in turn, impacts on the lives of families and loved ones, and the penalty, at its current level, does not reflect that stark reality. I want to introduce a penalty that is in keeping with such a serious offence. That penalty will send a clear message to drivers: caught once, you will get a significant fine and six points on your driving licence; do it again, and you will lose your licence. However, there will be no second chances for our newly qualified drivers, who have a ceiling of six points for the first two years after passing the test and are at particular risk of the effects of distraction. For those drivers, the rise in penalty points will mean an immediate ban. I believe that that will send a clear message to new drivers that such behaviour is very dangerous, unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“It is fair to say that most people accept that use of handheld mobile phones while driving is distracting and dangerous. Glancing at your phone for just two seconds doubles your risk of crashing. However, for too many drivers, the desire to stay connected at all times seems to override that knowledge. Drivers know that they are breaking the law, yet they continue to do so. In order to turn that situation around, we need to put a penalty in place that will be an actual deterrent. That is not just my view; I am happy to say that it is a view that is shared by the majority of people who responded to the consultation on the issue. <BR /> <BR />Today, we are not talking about a minor offence. Too often, the consequences of the offence change or even end a life.”
“This statutory rule will increase the number of penalty points for the offence of using a handheld mobile phone while driving. As it stands, the offence attracts a £60 fine and three penalty points. This has remained unchanged for over 13 years. I am proposing to increase the fine to £200 and the number of penalty points to six. This is in line with the penalty in Britain, in place since March 2017, for the same offence. Implementation of these changes will require the making of two statutory rules, one to increase the fine and the other to increase the penalty points. The increase in penalty points is subject to affirmative resolution and is the focus of our debate today.”
“I put on record my appreciation for the efforts and tireless hard work of all the staff at our ports, who very quietly do tremendously important work without seeking any recognition. I commend the Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill to the House.”
“I reiterate that I did not take that decision lightly, but it was required in order to enable me to introduce the legislation and ensure that it could pass in this mandate, as all Members who spoke highlighted, in order to enable our ports to strengthen their resilience, expand their facilities and grow their businesses for the benefit of our economy. <BR /> <BR />I thank Mr Boylan and Mr Beggs and, indeed, all Members for their support and for speaking on the matter. I know that Mr Beggs raised the impact of Brexit on our ports. I am sure that he, like me, will continue to remind the British Government that they have committed to funding all Brexit-related works at our ports and that it is essential that they honour that commitment. <BR /> <BR />I end by echoing the words of Mr Muir.”
“I am grateful to the Members who contributed to the debate. I believe that the Bill will help to ensure that we can continue to provide financial assistance to the ports during these challenging times. At Second Stage, the Bill received cross-community support, and I, again, thank all Members for that support. I, again, thank the Chair and members of the Committee for Infrastructure and, indeed, all Members for their cooperation and agreement to the Bill's proceeding by accelerated passage. A number of Members spoke about the use of accelerated passage.”