DEATH TRAPWARNING

The stark warning from Eithne and Dominic Ness comes after another collision on the bend next to their Seacoast Road home where, in one year alone, 27 accidents occurred.

“What’s it going to take - someone to be killed - is that it?” asked Dominic.

The most recent collision occurred in the early hours of January 20th, shortly after 2am, when a car heading towards Magilligan smashed into their fence and
drove on.

The couple believe a “life saving” crash barrier is the only answer.

However, TransportNI doesn’t agree, and say instead they will complete “traffic management measures”.

Eithne said it’s not enough.

“I see different places where there are crash barriers that are not needed. It doesn’t make sense to me,” said Eithne, who revealed they’re even considering installing their own crash barrier.

SDLP Colr. Gerry Mullan agrees unless a crash barrier is installed, “someone will be badly injured, or worse”.

Colr. Mullan vowed to continuing lobbying TransportNI on behalf of the couple.

A DRD TransportNI spokeswoman said: “The Department plan to enhance the traffic management measures already in place in the vicinity of the bend near 253 Seacoast Road.

“The measures will include the introduction of high visibility bend warning signs and chevrons together with upgraded carriageway lining and markings.

“These measures should lead to an increase in driver awareness of the approaching bend from either side. The works have been instructed and it is hoped to have them in place by the end of March this year.”

The couple say apart from the danger to public safety, they have spent considerable money replacing sections of the fence after each collision.

In the meantime, police are investigating the damage-only hit and run collision on January 20th, and ask anyone with information to contact them.