Safer Roads for Dublin
• Red light running campaign launched for the Dublin Region
• 1,620 sets of traffic lights throughout the city
• Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians targeted
Dublin Gardaí, supported by the RSA and partner stakeholders will run a new red light running safety initiative this October/ November as part of the "Safer Roads for Dublin” campaign, with the sole aim of reducing the number and severity of road traffic collisions. October and November are traditionally high risk periods on Dublin roads.
There are 1,620 sets of traffic lights in the Dublin region across all four local authorities and every day, road users put themselves at great risk by driving, cycling or crossing through red lights. It may appear a minor traffic infringement, however the potential for harm is very great when for example, a car encounters a cyclist where one of them has broken the red light.
In addition, and as a result of the number of collisions and near misses encountered by LUAS trams, a new fully automated red light camera was recently installed at the Blackhall Place. To date this has detected 155 drivers gambling with their safety, with many significantly late through the junction. These examples at just one junction illustrates why this red light running campaign is fully warranted.
The campaign is however not only aimed at drivers. It is also aimed at cyclists and pedestrians and uses a mix of education and enforcement in an effort to change road user behaviour and make the roads safer. The accompanying safety poster sends a very clear message to all.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, head of Dublin’s Traffic Corps, said at the launch today:
"We are aiming this red light running campaign at all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and appealing to them to reduce the risk to themselves and others by simply obeying the rules of the road when the traffic light is red. It seems a simple ask, and maybe a lesser offence, but when you consider there are 1,620 sets of traffic lights in Dublin, and look at what is happening in one junction alone, Blackhall Place, it is very apparent there is a very real problem with compliance. Heed the message we are sending out today - Don’t gamble with your safety - red means stop for all!”
Chief Superintendent Reid continued:
"This campaign is all about reducing risks. Risks cause injury and fatalities on our roads. This year we are seeing a significant reduction in fatalities in the Dublin area with 7 fewer than this time last year, but a serious or even fatal collision can happen in the blink of an eye. Please help us keep Dublin’s roads as safe as possible for all who use them.”
Notes:
The Safer Roads for Dublin initiative is supported by the RSA, Dublin Bus, LUAS, TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland), National Transport Authority and all four Local Authorities.
155 drivers have been detected breaking the red light at the automated red light camera on Blackhall Place since the 4th June 2015.
To date, there have been 10 fatalities in the Dublin Region, 7 fewer than in 2014.
In 2014 there were 4,970 detections for breaking a red light (motor vehicle).
To date in 2015, there have been 2,662 detections for breaking a red light (motor vehicle).
