Northern Ireland awaits new road safety strategy

28/01/2021 | CHRIS AMES

Northern Ireland’s devolved government has said it plans to issue a draft new road safety strategy by March after its existing plan expired last month.

Provisional figures released this month show that 56 people died on the country’s roads during 2020, which was the same number as the previous year. In 2018, 55 people died.

In a statement, infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said it was ‘disheartening that, with less traffic on the roads during the year, the same number of deaths have still occurred compared to 2019’.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has responsibility for all roads in the country.

DfI officials told Highways that Ms Mallon had agreed to extend the existing (2011-2020) Road Safety Strategy by six months while a new one is developed.

A spokesperson said: ‘DfI officials are working on a new Road Safety Strategy. This work has unfortunately been delayed by the COVID-19 crisis and more recently by the work on Financial Assistance Schemes.

‘The Department takes responsibility for promoting and improving road safety very seriously and continues to take action to support the continued reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. We expect to be in a position to issue a draft Road Safety Strategy for consultation by March 2021.’

During the past year Ms Mallon has announced a programme of part-time 20mph speed limit schemes at around 100 schools across Northern Ireland, as well as action to crack down on drink driving and mobile phone use while driving.

Of the people killed on Northern Ireland’s roads last year, six were pedestrians and four were pedal cyclists, with eight motorcyclists killed and one pillion passenger. Twenty-six were drivers and a further nine passengers in vehicles. Two ‘other’ road users were killed.

A total of 492 were seriously injured until 31 October 2020, a decrease from 652 at the same point the previous year. A final total will not be confirmed until the spring.

Picture shows Parliament Buildings, often referred to as Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the devolved legislature for the region.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Network Engineer - WMF2169e

£45,091 - £46,142
This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the resilience and effectiveness of our highway network. Kendal,Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2168e

£28,598 - £29,540
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a specialised area of highways operations while contributing directly Kendal, Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW