Speed limit proposals welcomed

THE FAMILY of a teenage cyclist who died following a crash on Newport’s Southern Distributor Road (SDR) have welcomed news that a new temporary speed limit for the area is being considered.

Newport council leader, Cllr Jane Mudd, said the city council is currently working with Gwent Police to consider implementing a temporary speed limit on the busy road.

Cllr Mudd said the council has also asked for a review to be carried out.

Calls to review the safety of the

SDR have been supported by the family of

16-year-old Joshua Fletcher, pictured, who died after he was involved in a crash with a car outside the Blaina Wharf pub on Friday, October 16.

A petition to change the speed limit or the layout of the road, started by Joshua’s aunt, Avril, has been signed by around 1,200 people.

Newport Independent Party group leader, Cllr Kevin Whitehead, raised the issue at a full meeting of the city council on Tuesday.

“There seem to be daily reports regarding crashes and incidents on this infamous road,” he said.

“Following on from the tragic loss of Joshua Fletcher, his family have since pleaded for a whole review of the safety of the set up, looking for the appropriate bodies to review it which I think would be a good thing.”

Avril Fletcher, the aunt of Joshua, welcomed the news.

“I am glad something is being done,” Ms Fletcher said.

“It’s a start and it’s going in the right direction to get something done about that bridge.

“We do not want any other family to go through what we have just been through.”

A 28-year-old man from Rhondda Cynon Taff was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash, and has been released under investigation.

An inquest into Joshua’s death will be held next year.