Lights should be considered at dangerous junction

They’re still grieving after the 52-year-old moped rider died following a collision with a pick-up truck at the junction of Kirpal Road and Eastern Road in Portsmouth.

But they are determined that others should not have go through the pain they and their family have experienced since the tragic incident last October.

It’s why they have launched a road safety campaign to get traffic lights installed at the junction.

Today they urge the council to consider putting in the lights to prevent other deaths on what they believe is a dangerous stretch of road.

As Michelle says: ‘When I visited Kirpal Road coming from Gosport, there are flowers at nearly every single bit along the road. Something like a two-minute wait going to work and stopping at a traffic light, I don’t think it’s a major thing when you know someone in your family can be safe.’

We agree with Michelle. If lives can be saved by the use of traffic lights, they should be seriously considered. What is having to wait a few minutes when compared to lives?

Although the city council has not yet agreed to their request, director of transport Alan Cufley has told The News that the junction where Mr Martin lost his life will be reviewed as part of a wider look at making improvements to the main routes on the eastern side of Portsmouth.

We admire Michelle and Danielle for wanting to do something positive after losing their uncle in such awful circumstances.

Five people are killed on this country’s roads every day. Anything that can help to reduce that figure should be pursued as a priority.