Assembly to launch cross-party Road Safety Group

5.36.00pm GMT Mon 10th Dec 2007

Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA

Speaking on the eve of its launch, Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MLA has outlined her hope that the All Party Assembly Group on Road Safety, of which she is Secretary, will contribute to the effort to reduce the number of deaths on our roads. The Minister for Environment, Mrs Arlene Foster, will address the All-Party Group at its formal launch in the Long Gallery tomorrow.

Naomi Long MLA said: "We have heard about a number of deaths on our roads in recent weeks. Behind each of the accident statistic lies the tragedy of a life cut short and a family devastated. The All-Party Assembly Group has been set up as a forum through which we can lobby for improved standards and raise public awareness of roads safety issues.

"The direct responsibility for implementing and monitoring Road Safety initiatives lies with the Department for Environment and the associated Committee; however, we hope that the All-Party Group will work with the Minister and Committee to act as a catalyst for change and a forum where the views of everyone affected by the issues, whether victims of collisions, driving instructors, road safety campaigners and the emergency services can be heard, leading to a more informed debate.

"Each and every one of our members is fully committed to playing our part in raising public awareness of the making our roads safer, and to promote a change in the driving culture. We have already made contact with the National Roads Safety Authority in the South and with the relevant Committee Chair in the Oireachtas, so that we can work together on this issue which affects the island as a whole.

"It is our hope that through the work of the Minister, her Committee and the All-Party Group, the issue of Roads Safety will be given the priority it deserves and that real progress can be made to reduce the number of car accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads."

ENDS