McCarthy backs crackdown on dangerous drivers but says more work to be done

11.00.21am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Jun 2007

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has back moves to give tougher penalties to people that use handheld phones whilst driving; however, he stated that much more needs to be done to prevent road deaths. His comments come after Environment Minister Arlene Foster announced that those using handheld phones while driving will be given 3 penalty points and will face larger fines.

The Strangford MLA said: "Whilst I welcome these moves to crack down on dangerous drivers, more still must be done by the Minister to reduce the number of road deaths.

"We need more awareness raising projects, for example we should have road safety liaison officers going around schools and colleges to give students informative advice, and we should run courses on this issue that all students must attend.

"I am however glad that the Minister has acted to protect local children further by creating legislation that means people who fail to ensure children are wearing seatbelt will also get penalty points."

ENDS