DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
20 March 2026
Minister sees Junior Road Safety Officers in action
Department for Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited St. Mary’s Primary School in Rathfriland yesterday to see the Junior Road Safety Officer scheme in operation.
The Junior Road Safety Officer scheme is one of DfI’s educational interventions aimed at making a difference in terms of road safety and active travel issues. It empowers pupils to deliver important road safety messages to their peers and wider school community in a fun and innovative way, while giving the Junior Road Safety Officers an opportunity to develop their leadership and communication skills from an early age.
Minister Kimmins met with St. Mary’s appointed Junior Road Safety Officers – Year 7 pupils Lucas and Jane, who were keen to tell her all about their roles, what they do and how much they enjoy taking the lead.
Minister Kimmins said: “It is fantastic to see the children actively engaged in their road safety roles and to see first hand the positive influence they are setting across the school amongst pupils and the staff.
“The Junior Road Safety Officer scheme is a highly effective and popular way of helping young people understand important road safety messages while also building their communication skills. It is especially encouraging to see pupils teaching and guiding their peers on safe and active travel in such a fun, creative and engaging way. The habits and behaviours they learn at this stage will stay with them well into adulthood.”
The principal of the school, Ms Margaret McConville, who acts as the teacher guide said: “The Junior Road Safety Officer scheme provides many benefits including fostering a culture of safety and promoting the holistic development of pupils' skills. Here in St. Mary’s Primary, it is the children who really drive what happens and my role is to encourage and help facilitate the JRSO’s in their work.”
The Junior Road Safety Officer scheme is open to all primary and special schools to participate in. More information about the scheme and how schools can join can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/junior-road-safety-officer-scheme.
