McCarthy calls for more resources to help police catch speeding drivers

12.34.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th Sep 2007

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has called for more funding to be redirected to traffic police to enable them to take more speeding driver to task. His call comes as the Audit Office released details showing that up to 42,000 drivers in Northern Ireland that broke the speed limit got away unpunished because police could not deal with the workload.

Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: "These figures are startling given the level of carnage on our roads in recent times.

"The police must be given the resources they need to tackle death on our roads. That means redirecting more funds into traffic policing, so that we can bring these speeding drivers who are getting away with it to justice.

"I would however like to take this opportunity to commend local police on their work. They do a difficult job and resources are very tight.

"Strong enforcement is vital because people need to know that if they break the law, they will have to pay the penalty. Effective deterrents against dangerous driving are essential to help prevent road deaths, therefore budgets must be examined as a matter of urgency with a view to redirecting more resources to this area."

ENDS