Tributes to former councillor killed on A19 who had campaigned to make road safer

A "much-loved" former councillor killed on the A19 in North Yorkshire had campaigned to make the road safer, an MP has said, paying tribute to him.

John Michael Duggan, 81, died in hospital after the crash near Riccall on Friday morning (August 1).

A white DAF skip lorry vehicle collided with the black Nissan Juke he was driving after joining the A19 from York Road, North Yorkshire Police said.

Selby MP Keir Mather said Mr Duggan, a former Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council councillor, had campaigned for better road safety in Riccall. Advertisement Advertisement

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Mr Mather said he was "devastated" to hear about Mr Duggan's death, describing him as a "well-known and much-loved local man, a father, uncle and a grandfather".

John Duggan, then a North Yorkshire County Councillor, pictured in 2005 when was involved in the fight to stop an animal incinerator being built on the Riccall airfield site (Image: Newsquest)

North Yorkshire Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: "John was a hard-working and well-respected councillor and this is incredibly sad news.

"He proved himself to be a dedicated public servant during his time with the former North Yorkshire County Council and Selby District Council, giving up his time to try to improve his local community. Advertisement

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"On behalf of everyone at North Yorkshire Council, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues and all those affected by his death."

Mr Mather said Mr Duggan was also known for his time as a union convener and, "perhaps most poignantly, as a campaigner for better road safety in Riccall".

Mr Duggan told The Press in 2019 [1] that a roundabout should be built on the A19 near Riccall to help prevent crashes.

He said the then North Yorkshire County Council (now North Yorkshire Council) had pledged to spend GBP850,000 on a roundabout on the A19 more than a decade ago, but the funds were later reallocated.

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"The road is a lot busier than it was then, and accidents show people are trying to get out there but can't," Mr Duggan said in 2019.

"It's quite common between Selby and York, the morning rush hour is car after car in both directions and you have to wait sometimes more than five minutes before you can get space and get out, it's such a busy road."

In 2019, Barrie Mason, then assistant director of highways at North Yorkshire County Council, said the proposed roundabout was no longer considered necessary.

MP will 'redouble' efforts to improve road safety after fatal crash

Speaking after Mr Duggan's death, Mr Mather said: "This tragedy makes awfully clear the need for road safety improvements at both A19 junctions in Riccall. Advertisement Advertisement

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"When I've canvassed or held drop-in events in Riccall this has always been what's come up.

"Anyone who uses either of the Riccall/A19 junctions knows that they feel unsafe, and that's what I've tried to impress on North Yorkshire Council previously that we need a new roundabout or at the very least a speed reduction.

"I will redouble my efforts to make North Yorkshire Council think again about the necessity of road safety improvements in Riccall.

Selby MP Keir Mather (Image: Supplied) "I've heard from so many people who agree and I've made contact with the parish council to discuss next steps - we'll only achieve this by working together. Advertisement

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"The most important thing in the next few days is that John's family are given the time to grieve and reflect on his memory, both as a family man and as a proud local campaigner for the village he called home.

"We owe it to his memory to see action taken, and people in Riccall can be certain of my full and unwavering support.

"Rest in peace John."

John Duggan, when a North Yorkshire County Councillor, pictured in 2001 riding his bike on the cycle path at Riccall after it reopened (Image: Mike Tipping) North Yorkshire Council's executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: "While it would be inappropriate to speculate about the exact circumstances surrounding this particular collision with a formal investigation to take place, we are committed to ensuring our roads are as safe as possible for all users.

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"We will continue to work closely with all our road safety partners to reduce the number of serious and fatal road collisions across North Yorkshire."

North Yorkshire Police said the driver of the skip lorry, a 42-year-old man from York, was arrested at the scene and is assisting officers with their inquiries.

Anyone with information about the crash who has not yet come forward is asked to contact the force on 101 quoting reference 12250142803.

References

^ told The Press in 2019 (www.yorkpress.co.uk)