As we are all aware, this is Road Safety Week. It is an opportunity for all of us, motorists, cyclists and all users of the road network, to focus on road safety. The weather is getting colder and the evenings darker; therefore, it is time to concentrate on various aspects of road safety. There is huge concern that a lot of drivers pay scant attention to tyre safety. A recent survey indicated that only approximately one in eight drivers checked the condition of the tyres on his or her vehicle on a regular basis.

The only protection we have on the road is provided by the quality of the tyres. It is critical that there be a renewed focus on all aspects of road safety, as people have tended to skimp on road vehicle maintenance during the economic difficulties we have been through. A significant number of people have been killed on the roads.

I noted with interest recently the number of cyclists who had received fixed-charge notices and been prosecuted for dangerous cycling. Approximately 240 cyclists have been prosecuted, which is very much to be welcomed, as it shows there is a renewed emphasis and focus on the safety of cyclists. A total of 13 cyclists have been killed in the past year. I plead with all young drivers to be especially careful. We are all very concerned at the number of people who have been prosecuted for speeding, in particular, in housing estates and built-up areas. During Road Safety Week there is an opportunity for all of us to think about how temporary life is and how easily lives are lost on the road as a result of bad driver behaviour and poor vehicle maintenance. I urge all of us as public representatives to spread the word that there is a need for greater emphasis on safety as we head into the winter.