Government must not shirk responsibility to save lives on our roads

1.15.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 30th Mar 2006

Government ministers and local politicians must recognize that they can act to save lives on our roads, particular on lowering casualty rates among young people - that is the Alliance Party's message to the 'Roadsafe' event at Bangor Grammar School today.

At the event bringing together police, young people and local political representatives, Cllr Parsley will say: "Obviously every time we step into a car or on to a bike, we have a responsibility to all road users around us- but that must not be used as an excuse by Government to avoid doing its party.

"Six years ago, I submitted an action plan on improving young people's safety on our roads to the Government, yet we have seen nothing beyond the occasional 'initiative'. Casualty figures are unmoved - young lives are still being lost unnecessarily on our roads weekly.

"I know the police and road safety organizations are doing all they can within existing legislation. But we are hindered by daft government restrictions - for example the nonsense that we cannot place 30mph markings or give way signs even where their helpfulness is beyond doubt.

"Most notably now, we have utterly ludicrous administrative burdens being places on road safety committees across Northern Ireland. People who got involved to save lives on our roads are now getting bogged down with plainly silly paper work. That burden must be lifted immediately.

"There are volunteers, police officers and politicians across the

community willing to put in long hours to help make our roads a safer place.

"We are saying to the Government that they must end the petty restrictions and give way at the dotted line to those wanting to get the job done."

ENDS