Safer roads and better public transport would safeguard Kildare pedestrians - Daly

Higher risk for walkers is unfortunate fall-out from drink driving clampdown

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called for meaningful public transport to be provided in suburbs and rural areas, and for a nationwide safety review of all roads, after new Garda figures showed as many pedestrians as drivers have died on the roads this year.

A total of 21 pedestrians have died on the roads in 2007, with 21 drivers also dying. Eight car passengers and two cyclists have also been killed on Irish roads this year.

“The higher number of pedestrian fatalities may be an unfortunate fall-out from the drink driving clampdown, with more people walking home from pubs in both suburbs and rural areas, placing themselves at risk, particularly from those stupid enough to drink and drive,” said Cllr Daly, who is a spokesperson of the Kildare Road Users Group, which campaigns for better road safety in the county.

"Pedestrians are sitting ducks on many roads which make absolutely no provision for foot traffic. Many of these pedestrian deaths take place in suburbs, towns and villages where footpaths are often in poor condition or non-existent, where roads are badly lit, and the signage for both traffic and pedestrians is appalling.

“The danger is that some people may feel they are safer using their car, even after a few drinks, than risking a walk home along dangerous or narrow roads. It is essential that some form of alternative transport is provided in rural areas and suburbs, and that roads are made as safe as possible for pedestrians and traffic. Fine Gael wants:

A nationwide survey of road conditions, road signs and street lighting to ensure that all areas are brought up to international safety levels;
Bus licences to publicans to encourage them to provide a courtesy bus service;
Liberalisation of the bus market to allow private operators to provide bus services in towns and housing estates that currently have little or no service.

"Unfortunately the FF/PD Government's proposals to extend the rural transport initiative will apply to rural areas only, and the Government is itself split over these proposals. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has now rolled back on his plans to extend the initiative, describing the measure as 'modest'.

"With the Government divided, there is little chance of any measures being introduced before the General Election. However, Fine Gael's proposals are workable and would not provoke the controversy arising from the Government's measures. Many people in rural areas are starting to feel like prisoners in their own homes. They will feel even more isolated if they are further confined because the roads have become even more dangerous for pedestrians. However, I would urge anyone walking the roads to ensure they make themselves highly visible, particularly to oncoming traffic."