OSCE Skopje Mission supports local police efforts to increase road safety

SKOPJE, 3 June 2005 - A country-wide public awareness campaign to increase road safety began today with the support of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje.

The Road Safety for All campaign is part of a project, initiated by the Ministry of Interior and funded by the U.S. State Department.

It will feature video clips on six national television and radio stations, newspaper advertisements, billboard ads along major roads, and include police training, designed to help improve road safety in the country.

"The Interior Ministry chose the best time for such an ambitious project, namely the end of the school year, when families are travelling for holidays and are able to see the campaign materials," said Ambassador Carlos Pais, Head of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje. "This kind of public outreach will allow in the long run to increase people's confidence in the police."

Paul Wohlers, Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, said: "The U.S. Embassy is pleased to support the Road Safety for All project. This comprehensive public awareness campaign will play an important role in improving the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians."

It is the first country-wide campaign of such scale, and consists of two main phases. After the initial one, launched today, the second phase will take place in autumn, with the start of the school year. It will focus on typical violations such as ignoring traffic signs, speeding, and the problem of drinking and driving.

Borce Pesevski, Spokesperson of the Interior Ministry said: "TV and radio spots are complemented by posters, flyers and newspaper advertisements, which are catching the public's attention and conveying the message in a very special way, focusing on victims' personal feelings and stories linked to violations of traffic rules."

Murat Yildiz, Acting Head of the Police Development Unit of the OSCE Mission to Skopje said: "Media involvement is essential in reaching out to a wider audience. We are very confident in the success of this project."