Safe A19 campaign

The Echo launched our Safer A19 campaign last year after a string of collisons on the busy dual carriageway.

With the backing of North East MPs, including Easington MP Grahame Morris, we want the Department for Transport to look at this issue and take action to protect our region and its people for generations to come.

So far more than 2,000 people have signed the petition.

This case highlights the need for something tobedoneasseverallives have been devastated by what happened.

Defence solicitor in the case Charlie Carr, defendingBruce,said:“The lady in the Audi calls it ‘a terribleroad’inherstatement.

“There are daily crashes on that road regardless of the conditions, but it is particularly dangerous with water on the road.

“She said she saw a white van spin out of control. It left the road, which caused her to go into the lay-by.

“She pulls up and it’s quite clear the white van driver was having difficulties that day.

“The man who sufferedsignificantinjuries that day doesn’t know whether he was hit by the car or hit by debris. The details are sketchy.

“Heisverygenerousin his statement. He sums it up as ‘one terrible, horribleaccident’.Thedefendant is grateful for that.

“He is ever so aware thatthismanwentoutto gotoworkthatdayandhe hadnointentiontocause anyone these injuries.

“Otherpeoplehaddifficulty driving that day.”

The court heard the incident has had a major psychological impact on Bruce, which affected his work.

Bruce told magistrates: “I was mentally affected after the accident. I’m now in £12,000 of debt.”

Our petition can be signed at Change.org by searching for Safe A19: A call for an inquiry into safety on the dual carriageway through the North East.