Call for new speed limit on ‘death’ road

RENEWED calls have been made for a reduced speed limit to be introduced on a rural road in which a 79-year-old man lost his life last week.

James McLean, from the Portstewart area, was fatally injured in the one vehicle crash on the Curragh Road outside Coleraine on Wednesday evening.

Residents say that five people have been killed on the stretch of road in recent years.

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Angela Torrens, who lives on the nearby Knockaduff Road and raised the issue during her unsuccessful campaign to become a Coleraine councillor in May attended the scene of last week’s accident.

She said: “This issue was a big part of my election campaign. I still want to ensure the safety of drivers, local schoolchildren and residents.

“This road has become a racetrack. We need a speed limit on the road.”

A meeting of concerned local residents was held earlier in the summer to discuss ways of exerting pressure on Roads Service to consider new speed restrictions.

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“I also want to pay tribute to the sterling work the emergency services did who came to the scene of the accident. Again it underlines the need to maintain these frontline services,” said Ms Torrens

Local MLA Adrian McQuillan also appealed for the speed limit to be reduced on the road, which is close to Culcrow Primary School.

“My deepest sympathies and those of the local community, are with this gentleman’s family at this very difficult time. They remain in my thoughts and prayers.

“People are in broad agreement that the speed limit is far too high and that people are driving far too fast.

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“I have been very concerned for the safety of car users nevermind children and parents who attend the local primary school off this road, Culcrow Primary.

“I once again call on Roads service after this tragic loss of life on this road for the speed limit to be reduced in order to secure the safety of all roads users and pedestrians.

“One death on our roads is one too many and I want to see that the risk to life is severely reduced.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

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