PRESS RELEASE

15/01/2010

ENV 03/09/10

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON MAKING OUR ROADS SAFER

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Environment have considered the work of the PSNI in reducing the number of deaths on our roads.

Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, Cathal Boylan MLA said: “Every death on our roads is shocking. There were 115 deaths on the roads last year and while statistics give us a picture of what is happening, the numbers do not show the heartbreaking devastation that each death causes in our families and communities.

“The sad fact is that often road fatalities can be prevented. The Environment Committee is determined to ensure that everything that can be done to reduce the death toll is being done. We welcome the work of the PSNI and are keen to see how it integrates with the Department of Environment’s commitment to keep our roads safe.

“There is no doubt that every one of us has a role to play in keeping safe when travelling. However, we need to ensure that road safety messages for both drivers and pedestrians are targeted effectively. The Committee awaits the Department of Environment’s plans on improving the safety of our roads with great interest and calls upon the Minister to ensure that it is a top priority.”

The PSNI has an ongoing commitment to reduce the number of fatal accidents and the Committee has been looking at the latest initiatives in light of the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy from the Department of Environment.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Committee for the Environment comprises;

Mrs. Dolores Kelly MLA – Chairperson
Mr. Cathal Boylan MLA – Deputy Chairperson
Mr. David Ford MLA
Mr. Trevor Clarke MLA
Mr. Ian McCrea MLA
Mr. Alastair Ross MLA
Mr. Peter Weir MLA
Mr. Daithi McKay MLA
Mr. John Dallat MLA
Mr. Danny Kinahan MLA
Mr. Roy Beggs MLA

For media enquiries please contact:

Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile: 07502 379339
Email: Jennifer.Pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Stephanie Mallon
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1953
Mobile: 07825 146794
Email: Stephanie.Mallon@niassembly.gov.uk