Infrastructure Minister And PSNI Discuss A5 Safety Improvements

The Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with PSNI Chief Superintendent, Sam Donaldson, to discuss potential safety improvements on the A5.

Twenty-two people have lost their lives on the roads across the north this year with the most recent tragedy taking place last night.

Speaking after the meeting Minister O'Dowd said: "Every road death is a tragedy for the families and communities involved. Too many lives have been cut short or forever changed by serious injury as a result of road traffic collisions. I extend my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost family members on all roads and on the A5.

"In our meeting today we discussed how my Department and the Police Service of Northern Ireland can work together to improve road safety. We are looking at further engineering measures that we can implement on the existing road to improve safety and the police are looking at continued enforcement measures. "As we enter the summer months, I appeal to all road users to think about their behaviour. Exercise care at all times and be mindful of other road users who may be in cars, on foot or on bicycles.

"The harsh truth is that we all need to wise up when we are using our roads because if we don't, the number of deaths will continue to rise."

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, Operational Support Department said: "I want to thank Minister O'Dowd for today's meeting as I welcome any opportunity to discuss how we can make Northern Ireland's roads safer. Reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads remains a priority for us and we want the public to be as educated as possible on the causes of road traffic collisions.

"The number of people losing their lives is extremely upsetting. Recognising the Fatal Five and the consequences which careless driving can have on those affected by these deaths and injuries will enable us to reduce casualties in Northern Ireland. Road safety is a responsibility we all share and we do not want one more family to experience the devastating aftermath of losing a loved one.

"We will continue to deploy police officers and road safety vans on the A5 with a clear desire to keep all road users safe."