Transport minister writes to Northern Ireland's top judge to say a 'strong message' must go out to deter speeders after rash of 100mph-plus cases
The transport minister John O’Dowd has written to Northern Ireland’s chief judge to say a “strong message” must go out to deter speeding.
He said that his letter to Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan was sparked by “a recent case where a motorist was caught driving at 100mph”.
In fact there have been several such cases before the courts of late, as the News Letter has reported, with drivers being caught at speeds between 100mph and 139mph.
In all the cases the News Letter has reported on, the sentences have involved either bans (often lasting just weeks) or penalty points, and generally a fine in the hundreds of pounds – even in a case of someone caught doing 132mph, with a prior conviction for speeding at 100mph.
The minister said: “While I am not privy to all of the details of any case taken before the courts, I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to send out a strong message when it comes to speeding and other road user behaviours which endanger lives.
“Put quite simply, speeding can and does kill.
"There can never be a reason or excuse for driving at 100mph in a 60mph zone. We need to get real and have honest conversations with ourselves and with others about how we behave on the roads.
“We are just nine months into this year, and tragically, 43 people have lost their lives on our roads and the tragic reality is that number will increase before the year is out.
"Our annual statistical report published today shows that last year in 2023 there were 71 fatalities in road traffic collisions…
“Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error – including careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and drug driving.
"Together these account for most deaths and serious injuries. I am therefore asking all road users to consider their own personal actions to ensure road safety for all.”