Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Action on road plea
Appeal made after most recent tragedy
FRESH concerns have been raised about the safety of a notoriously dangerous stretch of road after multiple accidents in recent years.
In the most recent incident on the Portaferry Road in Newtownards, Co Down, a 58-year-old motorcyclist died following a two vehicle collision on the route last Tuesday.
Lee Noble was riding a grey Kawasaki motorbike, which was involved in the collision with a car just after midnight. He died as a result of his injuries.
The driver of the red Nissan car was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
Separately, a man in his 60s was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries following a collision on the same road earlier this month.
Michael Palmer is a local resident in Newtownards who uses the Portaferry Road regularly, and has been raising concerns about its safety for many years. He said given the number of accidents happening in the area, it’s time for the Department for Infrastructure to make changes to the road.
Michael added: “I do believe the road is dangerous and the amount of accidents that occur on it reflect that.
“It’s imperative that DFI does everything it can to improve the safety of the Portaferry Road.
“I accept no road can be absolutely safe and care must be taken at all times but I do believe this road is particularly unsafe.”
In response, a DFI spokesperson said: “Every road death is a tragedy and the Department extends its sincere sympathies to the family
I do believe the road is dangerous & number of accidents reflect that MICHAEL PALMER CO DOWN YESTERDAY
at this time.
“All collisions are investigated by the PSNI who will share any relevant findings with the Department and we will work closely with them to assist with their enquiries and take forward any actions that are within the remit of the Department.”