Sligo Councillor lists action to be taken in the wake of the ‘blackest period’ in 12 years on Irish roads

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Sligo Councillor Ann HIggins has called for “Immediate, tangible actions” following what she described as “The blackest period in over 12 years,” with 190 fatalaties on Irish roads last year.

In her motion before the January meeting of of the County Council, Cllr Higgins called for the Council to write to Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.

In her motion Cllr Higgins stated, “Every life lost is a reminder that road safety is not just about statistics. Countries with low traffic mortalities are mainly characterized by strict enforcement of traffic laws, good public transport system and investment in road maintenance, use of safer designs in vehicles, different lanes for pedestrians and cyclists and low speed limits, especially in urban areas.”

Cllr Higgins’ motion called for a renewed focus on road safety to be translated into immediate tangible actions.

The first action she called for was the introduction of a Road Traffic Bill to fulfill Programme for Government commitments, including in relation to graduated speeding penalties and camera based enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences.

Cllr Higgins also called for the expedition of the urban speed limit review by Local Authorities to include reducing some roads and streets to 30km.

The motion also called for “the inclusion of representatives from the Victims Campaign Groups on the board of the Road Safety Authority.”

The motion also called for an overhaul of the current driver testing process to include the introduction of drivers permits for tractors and a focus on vulnerable road users.

Speaking on behalf of the motion, Cllr Higgins said, “4,600 drivers were caught speeding in the last week of December. Let all of us who drive commit to leaving our phones down, reducing our speed and being mindful of vulnerable road users.”

Supporting the motion Cllr Marie Casserly said, “Each death is a preventable tragedy. Road deaths are not inevitable.”

Cllr Michael Clarke agreed “The roads must be safe,” but took issue with the element of the motion referring to tractors when he said, “Tractors are causing no injuries or road deaths.”

In response Cllr Donal Gilroy remarked, “I believe tractor drivers have to get a permit before they can get a licence.

"A lot of things have been done about road safety but enforcement has slackened, enforcement is the big issue.”

The debate concluded with Cllr Higgins remarking, “There was an unfortunate accident with a tractor before Christmas.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.