Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Transport when the new road safety strategy will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41774/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 sets a primary target of a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the 1998-2003 period. This was always an ambitious target and one that required the continued commitment to a strategic, integrated approach by all of the road safety agencies.

Significant initiatives identified in the Strategy that have been realised to date include the introduction of a new system of metric speed limits, the further extension of the operation of the penalty point and fixed charge systems from April 2006, and, the establishment of the Garda Traffic Corps. The Corps, provides the basis for the achievement of the significant gains in road safety that emanate from consistent high levels of traffic law enforcement.

Other major proposals identified, such as the plans to establish a system of private sector operation of speed cameras under the auspices of the Gardaí, are well advanced.

The Road Traffic Act 2006 has been enacted and a number of key measures commenced. These include the provision to combat drink driving through enabling roadside Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) and a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving. We are making progress across the wide range of initiatives identified in the current Strategy, which is now coming to an end, and I am satisfied that all of the agencies involved are fully committed to the achievement of the goals that underpin the Strategy.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the preparation and submission to me for my approval of the next Road Safety Strategy which will commence in 2007. The RSA went out to public consultation in October and I understand they have received a substantial number of suggestions and proposals as a result of this process. The Authority will also be engaging directly in the coming weeks with the relevant stakeholders. It is expected that the Strategy will be finalised and presented to me for approval in the first quarter of 2007.