18/02/2003 Immediate Release

MAG Ireland welcomes NSC warnings on Oil Spills

In a recent statement, Mr Pat Costello, National Safety Council C.E.O., expressed his concern at the growing incidence of oil spills occurring on roads nationwide. Mr Costello referred to a recent 10 mile long oil spill in Limerick and said that this kind of hazard is a problem in most counties.

"MAG Ireland welcomes this highlighting of a problem which has been of particular concern to motorcyclists who are even more vulnerable to slippery road surfaces than car drivers. Unfortunately, many of these spillages occur at bends, at junctions and at roundabouts which increases the risks for motorcyclists even further. Diesel build up on poorly maintained mainly urban roads, especially at junctions and at roundabouts is also of concern to our members" said MAG Ireland’s Campaigns Officer, Karen Kiely.

MAG Ireland’s Road Hazard reporting system was set up some years ago to facilitate members in easy reporting of hazards to the appropriate authorities and diesel oil spillages continue to feature regularly. MAG members, motorcyclists and members of the public who encounter an oil spill should follow the advice given by the National Safety Council and report the spill immediately to the Garda Síochána to ensure that the proper action is taken.

Expanding on the advice given by Mr Costello to drivers in the event of a reported oil spill to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, Karen Kiely added "motorcyclists should avoid sudden or harsh braking, changes of direction or acceleration when encountering an oil spillage".

"We would urge those involved in road haulage to be particularly vigilant in ensuring fuel caps are properly closed on HGVs as this, together with overfilling of fuel tanks has been shown in UK studies to be the major cause of these spills."

ENDS

Background:

MAG Ireland (Irish Motorcyclist's Action Group) was set up in 1985 and represents the interests of Ireland's 40,000 motorcyclists, scooterists and moped users.

Areas tackled by MAG Ireland include road safety, training, road conditions, technical harmonisation, tax issues, consumer issues affecting riders, licencing and insurance.

MAG Ireland offers a wide range of benefits to its membership of over four thousand riders including discounts at many retail outlets and events, a subscription to Ireland's largest circulation motorcyclist magazine, a health insurance scheme and information service.

For further information contact

Karen Kiely
National Campaigns Officer
+ 353 1 453 07 97
campaigns@magireland.org
MAG Ireland
1b Ring Terrace
Inchicore
Dublin 8
Republic of Ireland