Good news on Scottish road accident reductions echoed in Dundee.
Dundee Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that figures released yesterday (30th January 2006) by the Scottish Executive show that there was an 8% decrease in the number of people killed in road accidents in Scotland from the 2003 to 2004 figures; the second lowest figure for 50 years.
The 2004 figures also show that the Executive has reached its target of halving the number of children killed and seriously injured on the roads by 2010.
Liberal Democrat Transport Minister for Scotland, Tavish Scott MSP commented that, "This devolved government is committed to making Scotland's roads safer for all who use them and I welcome the fact that these figures show a reduction in the number of people killed and injured on our roads."
Here in Dundee, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, has commented that there has been significant progress locally towards reducing accident casualties in the city in recent years. A road safety progress report was brought to the City Council's Planning & Transportation Committee in September 2005, showing a very significant reduction of 45% in the number of persons killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents in the City between the 1994-98 average and 2004. The report concludes that "it is essential that the excellent progress made in reducing casualties to date must be continued" - something the City Council will continue to prioritise.
"It was very pleasing to see Dundee City Council was shortlisted in the Road Safety Award category at the recent Scottish Transport Awards - real recognition of the Council's commitment to road safety," concluded Cllr Macpherson.