Council criticised over road sign campaign

A GREEN Party candidate in the local elections has criticised Dublin City Council for using

“scare tactics

? to deter people from walking in the city centre.

In recent days the city council has placed messages on its electronic signs around the city stating:

‘Pedestrians are the Single Biggest Group to Die on Dublin’s Roads. Think twice before you cross the Road’.

However, Ciarán Cuffe, who will contest the North Inner City ward on May 23, believes this type of advertisement sends out the wrong message to people who walk the city’s streets.

“What we should have are signs stating:

‘Drivers, Pedestrians are the Single Biggest Group to Die on Dublin’s Roads. Slow Down, obey the speed limits’,

? Mr Cuffe told Northside People.

“We should be encouraging pedestrians rather than trying to instil the fear of God in them.

?

Mr Cuffe said that 30 years ago in the UK, the Road Safety Authority initiated the infamous

‘One False Move’ campaign for pedestrian safety.

“That campaign was rightly criticised for failing to tackle driver behaviour,

? he stated.

“I am concerned that history is repeating itself. Of course, we should encourage those who walk to do so safely, but any road safety campaign should primarily tackle driver behaviour as road vehicles are the real danger on the streets of Dublin.

?

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council told Northside People:

“This is part of a coordinated campaign in conjunction with An Garda Siochana and other transport stakeholders, and forms part of a casualty reduction campaign for the months of April and May.

?