ONE of Preston's newest councillors is calling on the council to install a pelican crossing on a road he has dubbed a 'death trap'.

Councillor Marcus Johnstone, who was elected to serve the Riversway ward following last week's elections, wants to see the crossing installed on Mariner's Way to make life easier - and safer - for shoppers using the Morrison's supermarket.

With so much traffic using the road, day and night, Coun Johnstone, pictured, fears it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.

He said: "It is almost impossible to cross the road at busy times and I am deeply concerned that we might have a serious accident on our hands here.

"The number of residential properties on the docklands is increasing all the time so more people are walking to the supermarket.

"The road is busy both day and night, especially with it being used as a rat run and a race circuit by boy racers. The last thing I want is to be proved right when it is too late."

Preston Police have set up speed traps around the docklands during recent months after complaints from residents about speeding youngsters driving souped-up cars.

He added: "During the election campaign, this was the one issue which worried people the most. Now that I have been elected, I intend to do something about it.

"It must be one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in Preston.

"My only hope is that it doesn't take a serious accident before we get the crossing which should have been put in place when the docks were developed."

Preston Borough Council technical services depertment said the matter was being looked into along with other blackspots.

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