Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Road Safety Strategy.

Willie Penrose

Question:

27 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to receive the report of the high level group on a new road safety strategy for 2003 to 2005; when it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27846/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The Programme for Government states that a three year road safety strategy will be developed and will target speeding, drink-driving, seat-belt wearing and pedestrian safety in order to reduce deaths and injuries.

The high level group on road safety has been tasked with the preparation of this new strategy.

The preparation of the new strategy will take account of the achievements in meeting the targets set out in the Road to Safety Strategy 1998-2002, a comprehensive review of that strategy, and the evolving developments in relation to the EU third road safety action plan.

Preparation of the new strategy is nearing completion and I expect to bring specific proposals for the strategy to Government shortly. Pending the introduction of a new strategy, my Department and all the agencies concerned with the implementation of road safety measures are ensuring that the successful measures brought forward under the road to safety continue to be implemented. So far this year, we have witnessed a further reduction in road crash fatalities. Provisional figures to 17 November 2003 show 307 road deaths compared to 345 on the same date last year.