The East Belfast MLA said: “Road safety is of critical importance in Northern Ireland and I welcome the publication of this Action Plan, which clearly outlines specific actions to be taken in this financial year to bring about a maximum reduction in casualties seen on our roads.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy and is avoidable. We must be doing everything we can to enhance the safety of all road users, especially pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders who are particularly vulnerable on the road network.

“In recent years, we have seen the funding available for road safety measures gradually eroded to less than one million pounds per year. Curtailing funding for road safety is extremely concerning, when the statistical trend suggests that the most effective way to reduce road deaths is to increase spending on road safety initiatives.

“In light of this, I have been working with road safety advocates to establish an All-Party Group on Road Safety in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which will bring together groups from across political and civic society to aid the progression of the Road to Zero.

“Road safety is a top priority for me and my Alliance colleagues, and I am fully committed to working with the Department for Infrastructure, the PSNI, colleagues in the Assembly, and others, to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone.”