PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: WELCOMES DEAL ON ALL IRELAND ROAD SAFETY

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has welcomed plans to eradicate the anomaly in enforcing driving offences north and south of the border.  

Mr Burns stated, “The SDLP has long called for all Ireland co-operation on road safety issues and we very much welcome progress in this matter.

“People driving dangerously are a risk to all road users and we must do all we can to encourage drivers to put safety first. Up until now we have had the ridiculous situation where drivers from the Republic could be disqualified for an offence in the north but would escape that punishment when they cross the border and vice versa. That led to a very dangerous situation where drivers could effectively be reckless with little consequences.

“It makes sense for the authorities north and south to work together to eradicate that anomaly. A mutual enforcement procedure will now be established. This closes a well worn and dangerous legal loophole.

“This is only one of many road safety initiatives that could benefit from north south co-operation – others which the SDLP have consistently called for include all Ireland speed limits and greater co-operation between the road safety authorities.”

ENDS