09/05/2024

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."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 September 2003
Sign warns motorists on dangerous A2 bend to slow down
Motorists in North Down are being urged to slow down after a new sign actrivated by approaching vehicles began operation on the A2 Belfast to Bangor Road at Coach Hill Bend.
09 May 2006
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
26 January 2004
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
02 December 2003
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
31 March 2004
Minister calls for Roads Service to enforce parking laws
NIO Minister, John Spellar has called for new legislation to allow the Roads Service to enforce on-street parking restrictions in Northern Ireland.