I would like to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives in road collisions, particularly those whose loved ones' deaths form the background to today's discussion. I have submitted a comprehensive report for the information of the committee. I will endeavour to summarise its contents as succinctly as possible. Road safety is a key priority for the Garda and one of its objectives under its current corporate strategy, Effective Roads Policing, which runs from 2010 to 2012. On 10 January last, the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, launched the Garda's annual policing plan for 2011. This also includes the goal of effective roads policing.
Since 2005, the Garda Síochána has investigated 281,611 collisions of which 1,632 were fatal and 3,589 resulted in serious injury. Proceedings have been commenced in respect of more than 1 million offences known as key life-saver offences which include driving while intoxicated, speeding, etc. Over the same period, slightly more than 48,000 motorists were prosecuted for dangerous driving, while 132,000 vehicles were under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Two civilian analysts are engaged full-time in the analysis of collision data and assisting the formulation of robust, fit-for-purpose enforcement strategies. This information is provided to give some background and offer a high level, strategic view of how the Garda Síochána approaches roads policing.
As with all policing, investigative skills and techniques evolve on an ongoing basis and what is effective today may not be effective tomorrow. To this end, the Garda Síochána constantly evaluates current policies and strategies and examines practices in other jurisdictions in an effort to improve how we deliver on the roads policing function.
Since 2005 and in some cases prior to 2005, a number of developments and changes have taken place in the investigation of road collisions. I propose to summarise the main developments. In 2005, a dedicated traffic corps was established and now has 1,200 members dedicated solely to traffic policing. This is in addition to regular uniformed patrols. An Assistant Commissioner has been appointed to the traffic function and regional traffic superintendents are responsible for the development and implementation of road policing strategies.
Also in 2005, the appointment of forensic collision investigators commenced and 56 such appointments have been made around the country. Forensic collision investigators are trained to a standard of City and Guilds in the forensic examination of collision scenes. The standard of investigation files submitted by the investigators has been commented on favourably by a number of coroners, the Director of Public Prosecutions and members of the Judiciary.
In 2006, family liaison officers were appointed and a policy introduced for formal liaison with families of victims of road traffic collisions, with the single aim of keeping families updated of developments in the investigation and, where applicable, court proceedings. Feedback on the introduction of the policy from various victims' groups has been positive.
In 2007, a formal road collision investigation policy was introduced by the Garda Commissioner, which placed responsibility with each district officer for the investigation of all such collisions. It placed an obligation on the district officer or acting district officer to visit all collision scenes, establish what is known as a structured investigation team and bring together individuals with the required skills in forensic investigation and technical examination. Senior investigating officers are also available throughout the country. Some 150 individuals have been trained in the investigation of serious crimes and are available to the district officer should they be required.
In 2002, the collision prevention programme was introduced. As noted, while this runs separately from investigations, it provides for site visitation between gardaí, the investigating member and the local authority. Recommendations on engineering solutions are also submitted where appropriate.
In 2004, work in conjunction with other agencies identified collision prone zones. These were publicised on the Garda and Road Safety Authority websites to inform members of the public about areas in which clusters of road traffic collisions are taking place. These zones are at the core of our enforcement strategies and we endeavour to focus enforcement efforts in these areas.
Safety cameras were introduced in 2010. The location of speed enforcement zones are also available on the Garda website to inform members of the public of locations in which speed-related collisions have occurred. This has been done following detailed analysis of the locations in question in the past five years. Also in 2010, a review was conducted of form CT68, the statistical form used by the Garda to report on the details of an accident. The review was carried out with our key stakeholders and a number of amendments were recommended to provide additional validation to ensure greater accuracy of the form. An IT solution has been proposed and awaits implementation.
As I have outlined, there have been a number of changes to our practices. Many of the policies and strategies introduced have been influenced by the concerns raised by the families of those who tragically lost their lives on our roads. Furthermore, under the terms of the current corporate strategy, we have what is known as the "lessons learned framework", which has been designed to ensure ongoing assessment of our current practices and the maintenance of the highest standards of road policing. This interaction continues, as does the commitment of the Garda to work with other key stakeholders. I reiterate that the Garda Síochána is committed to providing an efficient and effective roads policing function to the highest possible standard. This commitment will continue into the future.