EUROPEAN ROAD SAFETY MEASURES PRAISED

ROAD safety initiatives employed in the Netherlands and Sweden look set to be implemented here in Northern Ireland.

NI Environment Minister Sam Foster has recently returned from Sweden and the Netherlands on a study tour, which involved visits to a wide variety of organisations engaged in road safety and studies of enforcement action by the Swedish and Dutch police.

Statistics show that fatality rates per 100,000 of the population stand at 6.0 in Sweden, and 6.8 in the Netherlands compared to 9.5 in Northern Ireland, while the European average stands at 9.8.

Speaking after the visit Mr Foster said, “Sweden and the Netherlands have better road safety records than Northern Ireland so it was interesting to pick up on best practice and different attitudes. I was very struck by the contributions made by others apart from central government. For example, Sweden placed considerable emphasis on personal responsibility and in particular the role of parents in making their children aware of risks.

Mr Foster said that the Scandanavian method of police enforcement was of key importance. The Minister said: “On my trips with the Swedish and Dutch police it was very impressive to see that within three seconds of stopping a vehicle they could call up data through laptop computers in each police car to see if the vehicle was taxed, insured and if the MOT was up to date. The Swedes could also check drivers’ details from the licensing authorities through the laptop computers.

“For this to happen in Northern Ireland, much work needs to be done involving many Government Agencies and the police to create such a pool of information. It is though, something which I am determined to see implemented.

“Further, on the environmental side, I was extremely impressed by the Dutch scheme for recycling of disused vehicles, an initiative that must be amongst the best in the world.

“We have, therefore, much to do to catch up with the best in Europe. But it is not all one-way traffic. My visit showed that, compared to our continental counterparts, we can be proud of our penalty points system, our vehicle testing and the quality of security features of our new style driving licences.”

Mr John Ritchie, DoE’s Director of Road Safety, and Mr Brendan Magee, Chief Executive of Driver Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI), accompanied Mr Foster on his visit. (AMcE)