Robinson hits back at winter ‘whingers’

Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, has hit back at the ‘whingers’ who criticised Roads Service’s performance during the period of heavy snow and ice over the Christmas and New Year period.

Mr Robinson saluted more than 400 staff, including engineers, technicians and drivers, as well as 135 gritters, who were deployed virtually non-stop throughout the holiday period.

The Minister said: “I have noticed from the weekly newspapers throughout Northern Ireland that there has been a few criticisms of the operation which in my view is unjust and does a disservice to staff who sacrificed their own holidays to make the roads safe for the rest of us.

“The staff should not allow the carping criticisms of a few outweigh the grateful thanks of many. The extent of their effort is underlined by the fact that we spent almost one-fifth of the £5 million set aside to deal with winter maintenance in the space of a few days.”

Mr Robinson said 28 per cent of Northern Ireland’s roads had been salted at a cost of £5 million.”

However, Mr Robinson’s comments were not well received by SDLP spokesperson for Regional Development Joe Byrne who said Mr Robinson’s remarks demonstrated the “extent to which he was out of touch with the concerns of members of the public in rural areas”.

Under current criteria roads carrying more than 1,500 vehicles each year are automatically salted, while those carrying more than 1,000 are salted if there are hilly areas or other pertinent circumstances.

Mr Robinson reminded motorists that the Highway Code clearly stated that it is the responsibility of all motorists to drive with care in ice or snow and they should be prepared for changing conditions whether or not roads are salted. (SP)