Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 5

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Accidents.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

12 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda are re-examining the effectiveness of the enforcement of road traffic legislation in view of the high number of deaths and injuries in traffic accidents in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2972/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The enforcement of road traffic legislation is given a high priority by the Garda authorities. I have been informed by the Commissioner that the effectiveness of this enforcement is reviewed continuously. A number of measures have been taken.

The Garda national traffic policy bureau, under the direction of a chief superintendent, was established in July 1997. The primary focus of the bureau is policy development, with particular emphasis on formulating proactive enforcement strategies aimed at reducing road deaths and road accidents.

The special Garda road traffic enforcement campaign, Operation Lifesaver, was initially launched in 1997 in the Louth-Meath area and was extended nationwide towards the end of that year. It is the subject of ongoing reviews.

As a result of Operation Lifesaver, the four offences of excessive speeding, drink driving, failure to wear seat belts and dangerous/careless driving have been identified as major factors in fatal and serious injury accidents and have been singled out for particular attention by the Garda Síochána in its enforcement policies. These offences will continue to be targeted in 1999.

The campaign involves high levels of patrolling, checkpoints and speed checks, in addition to an extensive road safety publicity campaign which involves media campaigns, using national and local radio stations, and school programmes designed to educate road users on the need to exercise care on our roads.

The Garda Síochána is in possession of a wide range of speed detection equipment such as radar guns, in-car video systems and laser devices as well as GATSO – a mobile unit, equipped with on-board camera and computer facilities. The Garda Síochána purchased four additional GATSO units in 1998, thus bringing the total number to five units which are deployed throughout the country.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that under the on-the-spot fine system which was extended to cover speeding offences in December 1997, a total of 191,834 notices were issued in the period December 1997 to December 1998. Approximately 75 per cent were paid without a court appearance by the defendant.

The Government launched the national strategy on road safety in July 1998 the primary target of which is to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by at least 20 per cent by 2002. The strategy is providing a detailed framework plan encompassing legislative change, enforcement, new technology, multi-agency co-operation as well as a wider public ownership of road safety. The implementation of the strategy will assist the Garda Síochána in its enforcement campaigns. The strategy recommended the extension of the on-the-spot fine system to the following offences: non-wearing of seat belts; stop-yield sign infringements; box junction violations, and defective tyres. The introduction of these measures by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government on 1 February 1999 fulfils the commitment given to the extension of the on the spot fine system in the strategy.

Another measure recommended in the national strategy on road safety is the introduction of evidential breath testing. I understand the Garda authorities are working in conjunction with the medical bureau of road safety to introduce this measure nationwide by the end of 1999.

The national strategy on road safety supports consideration being given to the introduction of a penalty points system and this issue will be fully explored by all the agencies involved in road safety in 1999. The legislation which will bring this about is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

I am glad to be able to report that there was a slight reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries in 1998 compared to 1997. Provisional figures for 1998 show that 461 persons were killed compared to 471 in 1997, while the number of those injured during 1998 totalled 10,271 compared to 12,087 in the previous year. While the incidence of death and injury rightly remains a source of serious concern the figures suggest that the road traffic enforcement measures being undertaken by the Garda authorities are taking effect.

Long-term reductions in fatal and serious injury accidents will not solely be achieved by Garda enforcement measures. There must also be a change in the mindset of drivers and other road users to one of compliance with the law, a fundamental change in driving habits, including courtesy, with a considerable improvement in driving behaviour.

The Garda authorities will continue to monitor their road safety enforcement policing campaigns throughout 1999 and, where necessary, effect necessary changes. I will continue to support the Garda authorities where the need for additional resources and equipment is identified by them.