Following a meeting with Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who is leading the initiative, Ms. Lockhart welcomed the assurance that Northern Ireland will be represented on the newly established taskforce dedicated to tackling the surge in premiums.
During the meeting, Ms. Haigh confirmed her intention to engage directly with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), with a meeting scheduled in November where the focus will be on the escalating insurance costs in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the Transport Secretary has directed her officials to collaborate with Ms. Lockhart to assess the specific challenges faced by Northern Ireland, which has seen some of the most dramatic increases in car insurance costs across the UK.
Carla Lockhart has been highlighting the impact of rising premiums in Northern Ireland, where drivers – particularly young motorists – are finding it increasingly difficult to afford insurance, which has made it challenging to stay on the road.
Speaking on the latest development, Ms. Lockhart said:
"I am encouraged by the Transport Secretary’s commitment to ensuring that Northern Ireland has a strong voice in these crucial discussions. Our drivers are dealing with some of the highest insurance premiums in the UK, and it is essential that this situation is fully understood and addressed. This is an issue I have persistently raised in Parliament, and I am pleased to see tangible progress being made.
The upcoming meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure is a positive step, and I am hopeful that the taskforce will propose solutions that reflect Northern Ireland's unique needs. While market forces influence insurance pricing, it is the Government and regulators' duty to ensure fair competition and protect consumers from unjustifiable hikes.
Ms. Lockhart reaffirmed her commitment to pushing for concrete measures, stating:
"I will continue advocating for swift, effective action that brings real relief to drivers across Northern Ireland. It is crucial that this taskforce delivers outcomes that reduce insurance costs, making it easier for all motorists to stay on the road.”
DUP MP Secures Government Commitment to Tackle Car Insurance Hikes in Northern Ireland
23 Oct, 2024
Carla Lockhart, DUP MP for Upper Bann, has successfully secured a commitment from the UK Government to include Northern Ireland in its efforts to address rising car insurance costs.
