Government 'ignoring road safety'
County councils and the National Roads Authority have a duty of care to those on the road, according to Fine Gael TD Shane McEntee.
The party’s road safety spokesman has accused the Government of ignoring the needs of motorists.
“In Ireland the poor condition of our roads, particularly our regional and rural roads, presents a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
“While the publication of the long-awaited Road Traffic Bill and proposals such as the introduction of random breath testing and a nationwide roll-out of speed cameras are welcome, the dangerous condition of roads throughout the country is the forgotten factor.
“This is a major cause of road accidents but continues to be neglected by the Government and many county councils.”
The call comes as five road fatalities were recorded over the weekend.
“Road conditions, road surfaces and the poor state of road maintenance are a major contributory factor to road deaths and injuries,” he said.
“Speeding and drink driving are identified as major causes of road accidents, yet European research suggests that 30% of fatal road accidents are caused by poor road surfaces.
“County councils and the National Roads Authority have a duty of care to those using the new motorways, but also to motorists travelling on our badly neglected country roads.
“I am proposing an Annual Audit of all public roads where local authorities would be required to address any maintenance problems highlighted in the survey.”
