New Road Safety Strategy Public Consultation Announced

A public consultation has been launched on a new proposed Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland.

The consultation invites views on the proposed approach to road safety until 2030 and the issues and priorities that need to be addressed. It is aimed at everyone recognising that all road users have a part to play in the success of any future strategy by helping to keep our roads safe for themselves and others.

Launching the consultation, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, said: "Road safety is an issue that impacts on all of us in our everyday lives. I am aware of the challenge that road safety presents to us all and am committed to the ongoing development of a safe and sustainable transport network that prioritises walking, wheeling and cycling, connects communities, keeps us free from road traffic harm and meets the needs of all our citizens. The launch of this consultation is particularly timely as today marks the beginning of Road Safety Week.

"I am committed to working with partners to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries across our roads network. My plans for the future strategy are to build on the progress to date and to ensure that the key challenges and issues identified through this consultation are addressed through future road safety policies and actions. One life lost is one too many and there is more we can, and must do."

Continuing, the Minister added: "Road safety impacts on all of us in our everyday lives and I would encourage everyone to consider this draft document. I look forward to hearing your views which will help to inform the best way forward in the drive to make Northern Ireland’s roads safer for all over the next decade. Your input and ideas will inform the final strategy which I hope to publish in the spring."

Assistant Chief Constable Sam Donaldson added: "We all have a vested interest in ensuring our roads are safe and I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make their views known. Too many people are killed or seriously injured every year as a result of road traffic collisions therefore we all have a responsibility as citizens to work together to eliminate the harm."

Rosie Byrne, Director of Operations at Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, said: "Everyone has a role to play in Road Safety. NIAS staff frontline staff attend too many incidents throughout the year where lives are lost or casualties suffer life-changing injuries. It is important that everyone takes time and considers their role in the drive to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. The consultation on the Road Safety Strategy is the opportunity for everyone to have their voice heard to help us deliver these reductions."

Paddy Gallagher, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), added: "Unfortunately Firefighters and our colleagues in other emergency services regularly attend tragic road traffic collisions. As road users we can all influence how safe our roads are in the future; and so I encourage everyone to avail of this consultation exercise and take the opportunity to feed into the Strategy."

The consultation closes on 10 January 2022. The responses will be considered in the development of the final strategy and the associated action plan.