Injury compensation claims on public footpaths on the rise
It has been brought to notice recently that the Northern Ireland Government has paid out close to £3.5 million to public footpath accident victims.
Department of Regional Development figures show that an increasing number of people are being injured in tripping accidents on badly maintained public roads and footpaths.
More than 1,800 people made a public liability and injury compensation claim in 2008, up from 1,000 in 2004/2005.
Nearly 90% of these claims were related to accidents that took place on defective roads.
The government faces allegations of a lack of investment although the Northern Ireland Assembly has denied cutbacks in maintenance budgets played a part.
The government has started addressing the issue gradually. This is evident in new laws that are being drawn up to oversee the country's growing outdoor cafe culture.
The measures guarantee the disabled access the footpaths at all times and prohibit additional signage on footpaths. This is said to be the beginning of the measures to decrease public liability incidents.
Although the guidelines have not yet been officially signed off, they have been welcomed by some businesses and disability groups operating in the city centre.
Updated on 09/10/2009