Fine Gaels response to MAG's queries in recent run up to election...

Dear Linda,

Thank you for your email.I am writing to you on behalf of Frank
Flannery, Fine Gael Director of Elections. Please find below the
responses to your questions.

Safety
? Will you support the replacement of wire rope barriers with
motorcyclist friendly barriers? ? Will you support the banning of crash
bars, bull bars etc. from vehicles? ? Will you support the removal of
VAT from motorcycle helmets and all motorcycle safety
equipment?

Fine Gael is very conscious of the need to make our roads as safe as
possible and to reduce the high level of fatalities and injuries on our
road, particularly amongst motorcyclists. We would examine any
proposals, in conjunction with advice from the Road Safety Authority
(RSA), which advances this aim.

? Will you support Motorcycles in Bus Lanes? Yes.

Training
? Will you support Compulsory Basic Training for all road users?

Yes, Fine Gael is committed to introducing this proposal when returned
to Government.

? Will you support education campaigns to instruct motorists on the
correct use of lanes on roundabouts and motorways, and the correct use
of headlights and fog lights? Yes

? Will you support the provision of free driver safety classes and
encourage insurance companies to give discounts to drivers and riders
who take the classes?

Fine Gael supports the giving of discounts to drivers and riders who
undertake additional safety education.

Road Conditions
? Will you ban the use of slippery tar lines (overbanding)on road
repairs? ? Will you ensure that white lines on roads be textured to
prevent skidding? ? Will you ban the dangerous use of tar and loose
chippings to resurface roads? ? Will you ensure that contractors repair
damage caused by them promptly within two days of their being notified
of the defect? ? Will you ensure that the law banning steel plates to
cover excavations on road works is
enforced?
? Will you ensure that the law demanding that contractors clean mud and
debris from the
road outside their construction sites is enforced?
? Will you ensure that the laws in relation to drivers who cause lethal
diesel and oil spills are enforced?

Fine Gael would examine these proposals in greater detail following
advice from the RSA and Local Authorities with a view to ensuring that
our road surfaces contributes to greater road safety.

? Will you support the exemption of motorcycles from toll fees as
motorcycle use reduces traffic congestion?

Fine Gael views the reduction of traffic congestion as a priority and
would examine this proposal in conjunction with other measures such as
car-pooling, increased public transport etc.

Kind Regards,
Amanda Glancy

Research and Policy Officer,
Fine Gael Policy Office,
Fitzwilliam Hall,
Fitzwilliam Place,
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6694742