SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has called for upgrade works to be carried out on the A5 following the publication of a report on the UK's most dangerous roads.

The study, published by Teletrac Navman, identifies Fermanagh and Omagh as having the third highest number of road deaths out of the whole of the UK.

Following the revelation, Mr McCrossan has called for work the stalled multi-million pound A5 Western Transport Corridor upgrade to go ahead.

"This week alone, we've witnessed three serious collisions between Strabane and Ballygawley," he said.

"Investing in road upgrades have long proven to save lives by improving safety. However, it is now my concern that if the A5 upgrade stalls again, there will be countless more unnecessary deaths on our roads. As a local MLA, I have attended too many funerals of people who have lost their lives on the road. I have campaigned and lobbied for the full completion of the A5 WTC scheme. I believe that it will ultimately save the lives of people I've been elected to represent.

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"The problem now is twofold: Firstly, we have the Alternative A5 Alliance, who despite what their name suggests, have failed to produce an alternative. Rather, they have shown time and again, that they have no interest in the A5 WTC scheme nor all the benefits associated with it. This is despite the fact that the writing is on the wall and has been for countless years.

"Secondly, we have no Stormont in place. Despite all the promises Sinn Féin made, they have not delivered the A5 for the people. I haven't even heard them comment on the scheme since they brought down Stormont. Essentially, we now have a judicial review case, brought by the AA5A, contesting the legality of a Civil Servant signing the scheme off; this has put the full completion of the scheme under threat."

Continuing, the West Tyrone MLA said he wants to see the A5 WTC scheme fully completed

"It has the backing of the public, businesses and the Department of Infrastructure," he said.

"It will save lives, increase connectivity and the economic potential of the West. It's time for the devolved institutions for the North to be back up and running. Nothing less will do if we are to truly have an impact on people's lives here."

(LM/MH)