PCSP Chairman Urges Residents to Stay Safe on Our Roads
September 9, 2015
Following several road traffic accidents in recent weeks Councillor Scott Carson, Chairman of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is appealing for all residents and visitors in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area to drive, walk and cycle carefully on the roads.
We have recently seen several tragedies on our roads involving cyclists, car drivers and passengers, pedestrians and motorcyclists. The local PCSP would echo the message of responsible road use, watching for others as well as yourself and of course remaining vigilant at all times.
Speaking about staying safe on our roads, Councillor Carson, said: “I would like to reiterate the very important messages delivered by the emergency services over recent weeks. It is vital that individuals take personal responsibility for their own safety when travelling on our roads. In partnership with the PSNI the local PCSP will be undertaking a number of safety initiatives to drive home the importance of driving safely and at reasonable speeds.
“Local police officers have been spotted on various key roads in and out of the Council area with speed cameras. Their aim is to deter people from speeding rather than issue fines and penalty points but be assured with the full support of the PCSP any offenders will receive such fines as not only are they risking their lives but also that of any passengers in their vehicle and perhaps also pedestrians.
“In previous years PCSPs would have been very involved in promoting the importance of all aspects of road safety; and as Chairman I would be very supportive of a number of such initiatives being carried out by the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP over the next 12 months. The messages delivered may seem to be hard hitting but this is necessary given the serious consequences of accidents on our roads.
“Any death on our roads is one too many and the devastation that the unexpected loss of a loved one causes the family and friends left behind is long lasting. Be very aware of driving conditions and adjust your speed and vehicle lighting accordingly. Always wear your seatbelt, and never drive under the influence of drink or drugs and do not use your mobile phone outside of a hands free kit when driving,” concluded Councillor Carson.
Throughout August, the local policing team ran an Operation Roadsafe weekend, which in the first 24 hours resulted in the PSNI catching three drunk drivers, issuing 18 fixed penalty notices and three discretionary disposals for road traffic offences. In other operations, the PSNI has also taken uninsured or unroadworthy cars off the road and issued fixed penalty notices to people driving while using their mobile phones.
Superintendent Sean Wright said: “Everyone must remember to drive safely within the speed limit. Do not operate any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and do not use a mobile phone while driving or do anything that would distract your concentration on the road ahead and other road users and pedestrians.
“Children are back to school, there may be more cars on the roads in the mornings and afternoons as a result. I ask everyone to be patient and courteous toward other road users. No matter how good a motorist you think you are, one lapse of concentration or discipline could see you and others being involved in a serious collision.”