Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - Road Safety.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

52 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of persons killed and injured in road traffic accidents during 2000 and 2001; if, in regard to the Government strategy on road safety, he will give details of the commitments which have been implemented and which remain to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6980/02]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

135 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the process his Department uses to evaluate the success or otherwise of the Government road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7313/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 135 together.

The number of road deaths in 2000 and 2001 was 415 and 411 respectively. The total for 2001 represents a 13% decrease on the 1997 level of 472. There were 1,640 serious injuries on our roads in 2000 representing a decrease of almost 25% on 1997 levels. Figures relating to serious injuries for 2001 are not yet fully analysed and authenticated. They will be set out in the Road Accident Facts, 2001, which will be published by the National Roads Authority later this year.

The Government is strongly pursuing the implementation of its strategy for road safety 1998-2002, the first ever national road safety strategy to be adopted by the Government. The strategy has prioritised a systematic and co-ordinated set of measures for preventing and reducing road accidents. It establishes quantified targets for achieving its objectives, the principal of which is to reduce road deaths and serious injuries each by at least 20% by 2002 relative to 1997. Priority is accorded by the strategy to actions targeted at speeding, alcohol, seat belt wearing and vulnerable road users. A timetable for key actions in these and other areas is also set out.

The Government strategy is monitored by the high level group on road safety, whose first progress report – July 1999, second progress report – August 2000, and third progress report – July 2001 – detail progress with key actions. Copies of all three reports have been circulated to all Deputies and are also available in the Oireachtas Library.

The third progress report shows that real and worthwhile gains are being made in road safety within the framework of the Government strategy. In addition to the reduced level of road deaths and serious injuries to which I have already referred, the interim targets fixed by the strategy for achievement by 2000 have been well met.

Progress is also ahead of target in extending low cost accident measures across the national road network, with 365 schemes completed on the national network by end 2001 with a further 32 approved for 2002. On the other hand, recent NRA surveys have shown that considerable improvement will be needed in order to achieve road safety targets for reducing speeding and increasing seat belt wearing.

Garda enforcement activity has been intensified and improved in accordance with the road safety strategy. Over 345,000 on the spot fines issued in relation to speeding offences in 2001, compared to 175,000 in 1999 and 130,000 in 1998. A pilot scheme providing for the deployment of fixed speed cameras is in operation on four of the main national routes out of Dublin and on the M50. Speed limit enforcement is also being supported by an increase in mobile speed detection, the use of laser speed detection as well as in-car and motorcycle cameras. At the end of 2001, approximately 149,000 on the spot fines had been issued for non-wearing of seat belts since the introduction of this measure in July 1999. The number of detections for drink driving in 2001 increased by almost 53% over 1998. Evidential breath testing was on target by end of 2001 with 40 instruments in operation.

The road safety strategy also provided for the implementation of a penalty points system in support of road safety enforcement. The legislation necessary for this measure was published in March 2001 and passed Committee Stage in the Dáil last week. Report Stage is due to commence shortly. The necessary software amendments to the national driver file to record penalty points and administer the system have been made.

Ensuring compliance with the targets of the road safety strategy will command the full effort and support of the Government and its agencies. By reference to the estimates set out in the strategy in 1998, over 100 lives are now being saved each year as a result of implementing the strategy compared to a continuation of trends prior to 1998.