Barrow: Calls grow for urgent safety measures on Coast Road

It warns that the road has become a 'perilous journey' after a series of fatal crashes. 19-year-old Timothy Paul Jolley, who was a passenger in a Volkswagen Up involved in a crash with an Audi S4 at Rampside, died[1] on June 9. The driver of the Audi, a man, 20, of Barrow, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the prescribed limit of a specified drug.

Investigations remain ongoing. The petition, which has begun circulating online, demands the installation of speed cameras and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps on the road between Barrow and Ulverston. "The longest stretch of road in our community has claimed too many lives, turning what should be a safe and scenic drive into a perilous journey," the petition reads.

The campaign then goes on to praise the Pollock family who previously secured a speed limit reduction from 60mph to 50mph following a fatal crash. In December 2004, Grant Huntington, 16, Adrian Pollock, 20, and Matthew Salt, 20, all from Barrow, died in a crash at Roosebeck. The three were passengers in a Ford Astra that collided with a Vauxhall Movano van near the entrance to the Whitegates Caravan Park.

The petition argues that although the speed limit reduction is welcome, the change didn't go far enough. It adds: "The speed limit change was a crucial first step but we can and must do more. These interventions are proven deterrents that can bring about real change and save lives."

In response, Westmorland and Furness Council said the Coast Road had been flagged as a priority route and is currently under multi-agency review. A council spokesperson said: "Consideration of changes to speed limits are made following traffic data collection and application of guidance form the Department for Transport on 'Setting Local Speed Limits'. Roads throughout Westmorland and Furness are reviewed on a regular basis.

"The council is aware of the recent fatal collision, and the Coast Road has recently been identified as a hotspot for the multi-agency Cumbria Road Safety Partnership. It is currently under review and investigation by partners including Westmorland and Furness Highways, Cumbria Constabulary and the Fire and Rescue Service. Readers can subscribe for just GBP4 for 4 months in this flash sale[5]

"In addition, the A5087 Coast Road has been identified by Westmorland and Furness as a route for further road safety consideration and an Engineering Safety Study is currently being reviewed to consider other measures along the route."

To view the campaign visit the Change.org website.[6]

References

1. ^ 19-year-old Timothy Paul Jolley, who was a passenger in a Volkswagen Up involved in a crash with an Audi S4 at Rampside, died (www.nwemail.co.uk)
2. ^ MP Michelle Scrogham responds to update on Furness General's downgraded ITU services (www.nwemail.co.uk)
3. ^ Council apologises for delay in grass cutting on estates in South Cumbria (www.nwemail.co.uk)
4. ^ Why are there several signs pointing to Walney Island in Greece? (www.nwemail.co.uk)
5. ^ Readers can subscribe for just GBP4 for 4 months in this flash sale (www.nwemail.co.uk)
6. ^ Change.org website. (www.change.org)