Grieving Neighbors Vow to Continue Fallen Councillor's Road Safety Crusade

In October 2025, the community of Riccall, North Yorkshire is still reeling from the tragic loss of a former councillor who was killed in a crash on the very road he had fought to improve. John Michael Duggan's car was struck by another vehicle as he turned onto the A19 from his home village on August 1st.

Duggan had long campaigned for safety upgrades to junctions along the main route between Selby and York, hoping to reduce the number of collisions. Following his death, a group of Riccall residents have formed the Riccall Roads Action Group to continue his crusade. Led by Sue Golton and Laura Lee Patterson, the group is calling for the installation of a roundabout at the village's south junction with the A19, as well as a reduction in the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph.

Residents have recounted numerous near-misses and long waits to turn onto the busy highway, with one local, Liz Smith, saying she now avoids making right turns altogether. The group has gathered evidence, including a survey and vehicle count, to present to the council, but so far their pleas for a roundabout have fallen on deaf ears.

As the community grapples with Duggan's tragic death, they are determined to honor his memory by making the roads safer for all. "John was a lovely man. He worked tirelessly to make lives better for other people," said Golton. The Riccall Roads Action Group vows to continue his unfinished work, hoping to prevent any more lives from being lost on the dangerous A19.