New Road Safety Strategy Developed In Clare

A multi-agency approach to further improving safety on County Clare's roads has been announced.

Clare County Council, supported by An Garda Síochána, the Fire Service and the Road Safety Authority, is seeking the views of the public on what they think should be included in the proposed Clare Road Safety Strategy 2014-2020.

The period covered by the last 6-year strategy has seen a 79% reduction in road fatalities in County Clare.

Among the initiatives and actions undertaken during the period of the last strategy was a series of public awareness campaigns, the increase in the Garda presence on Clare's roads, the introduction of GoSafe speed vans, the significant investment in the motorway network and improvements in the local road infrastructure, and the introduction of traffic calming and safety measures throughout the County.

Commenting on the Draft Strategy, Mayor of Clare Joe Arkins commented: "We all use the roads every day, so we should all have a say in how we share the roads with each other and how we can work together to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads. So I would encourage everyone to get involved in this process and make their voice heard by submitting their ideas.” 

John Kerins, Chief Superintendent, An Garda Síochána added: "Clare Gardaí will continue to avail of all opportunities to highlight the importance of road safety through targeted media campaigns during high risk periods and with the delivery of Road Safety education to schools. We will enforce all elements of Road Traffic legislation with particular emphasis placed on drink / drug driving, speeding, dangerous driving, non-wearing of safety belts and drivers using mobile phones. The level of enforcement in these areas is matched with the number of detections made and prosecutions in our courts which has increased year on year."

"Clare Gardaí continue to appeal to all road users to respect the speed limits and to exercise greater personal responsibility for their driving behaviour, thereby protecting their own lives and preserving the safety of all other road users," he added.

Barry Keating, Road Safety Officer stated: “Road safety is something we all play an important role in, so we are asking road-users to get involved by submitting their ideas on how we can improve safety on our roads. Every idea or proposal will be reviewed and considered so I would encourage people to get involved in this process. This is your chance to help shape the future of road safety in Clare.”

“The Draft Strategy on display on our website has 12 different covers – the shortlisted pictures are from various primary school students across Clare following a recent Schools Road Safety Design a Poster competition. The winning poster will become the cover of the Road Safety Strategy when it is finalised following this public consultation process”, added Mr. Keating.

A copy of the Draft Clare Road Safety Strategy 2014-2020 is available to view on www.clarecoco.ie or at Roads Section, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis. Those wishing to make suggestions by post should forward same to  Road Safety Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. They can also be emailed to roads@clarecoco.ie. The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 6th June 2014.
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