Chaired by Cookstown SDLP Councillor Peter Cassidy, the group aims to highlight the many dangers on the roads, targetting a range of users from young people to pedestrians to older motorists.

Cllr Cassidy said the inception of the group was particularly timely given the number of fatalities on the roads in recent weeks.

A meeting was held in the Royal Hotel in conjunction with the Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland to gauge the level of interest in road safety and organisers were pleased with the response. And at a follow-up meeting in MUSA a committee was elected.

“The aim is to reduce carnage on our roads by targetting all road users including pedestrians, young people, older people and cyclists,” explained Cllr Cassidy.

“It’s aimed at making people more aware on the roads and it’s particularly timely because of the carnage we’re seeing lately. We’re hoping through the formation of the committee, to make people more aware of the dangers of speeding, drink driving and generally taking more care and having respect for other road users.”

He said the committee will be working with the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service and Roads Service to bring the message to the intended audience.

A roadshow highlighting issues surrounding safety will be held in Cookstown on August 15. Organised by the Road Safety Committee in conjunction with police, Cllr Cassidy said the event is timely as young people will be issued with their GCSE results which is often a cause for celebration.

“We have a voice and we feel we can make an impact in the area,” added Cllr Cassidy.