NI road deaths at lowest level in 50 years

The number of people killed on the North’s roads has dropped to its lowest level in more than half a century, it was announced today.

The last year saw a total of 136 deaths, the smallest number since 1952 when 133 were killed.

The latest figures are impressive as the number of vehicles on the roads has increased nearly eightfold in the intervening period.

Kevin Clinton of RoSPA – the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - said: “This is really good news and is testament to the work of the department of the environment and its roads safety strategy.

“We are confident this excellent trend will continue if everyone goes on playing their part.”

Environment minister Lord Rooker welcomed the figures, but he said: “Let’s be clear. This is a significant milestone, but nothing more.”

The minister said the figures showed there was still a long way to go.

“The figures highlight an encouraging reduction in the number of passengers and motorcycle fatalities, but of the 136 killed on the roads in 2005 almost 70% were drivers and pedestrians,” said Lord Rooker.

He added: “I appeal to all road users to play a personal part in reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads during 2006.

“Let us all make this a New Year's resolution. If we all accept this personal responsibility then together we will save lives.”

Also welcoming the reduced death figure, Superintendent Brian Kee, head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Road Policing Development Branch, said it was still far too high.

“Improving road safety for all road users is a major policing priority and will continue to be so in 2006.

“We remain committed to a policy of education backed up by robust enforcement.”

Back in 1952 there were just 117,000 vehicles in the North. Last year there were almost 900,000.

Those killed in 2005, according to the provisional figures, included 29 pedestrians, 66 drivers and 22 passengers.

There were also 14 motorcyclists killed, one pillion passenger and four pedal-cyclists.