Man struck by car in Irby calls for improved road safety

Aug 13 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

A PARTIALLY sighted man hit by a car which failed to stop in Irby Village is calling on Wirral Council to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Richard “Bert” Wright, 65, was struck by the silver vehicle while crossing Thingwall Road at a pedestrian crossing close to the junction with Mill Hill Road, on the afternoon of Saturday, July 5.

The former plumber, who is registered blind because of a hereditary eye condition, suffered whiplash and injuries to his back, left hip and shoulder.

Mr Wright, an Irby resident for 13 years, said he wanted to speak out about the incident to encourage witnesses to come forward and prevent another pedestrian being seriously hurt.

He said: “I was just getting a bit of shopping and I was in the middle of the road when a car went past a delivery van parked up by the shops.

“I saw a flash of silver on my right and I thought ‘this car is not going to stop’.

“I turned and took a step back and the bonnet clipped my hand and spun me round. Part of the framework hit my shoulder and the wing mirror smashed into my side.

“Then it just drove off. I was dazed and I said to people ‘did you see what that maniac’s just done?’

“If I saw him coming and I’m partially sighted, he’s got to have seen me.”

Mr Wright, who lives with his partner, believes the crossing should be moved or cars prevented from parking outside nearby shops.

He said: “I think the loading bay should be shifted further back and people should be encouraged not to park along that side of the road because visibility isn’t very good - that or just move the lights further down the road.”

Merseyside Police said witnesses to the incident should contact Bromborough police station on 777 2523 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A spokesman for Wirral Council said: “Road safety is one of our main priorities and we sympathise with Mr Wright.

“We will certainly take a look at the location and surroundings of the crossing with Merseyside Police.”