On the 21st of October, 2023 my sister, Abbie Devanney, was involved in a crash on Brooms Lane, Consett. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other 3 passengers suffered life-changing injuries. This day marked her 18th birthday; a day that is supposed to be celebrated, but instead brought great loss and pain. 

Earlier this year, the driver pleaded guilty to causing the death of Abbie, and causing serious injury to those 3 other passengers, and got sentenced to 5 years in prison. However, due to his young age and early plea, he will only serve 2 and a half years.

2 and a half years for taking away a life full of opportunities. 2 and a half years, yet we are forced to face a lifelong sentence of grief and suffering. We do not feel as though we have received justice as a family. Nothing will ever bring my sister back. She lost the chance to have a future, to grow old and to achieve her goals. I have not only lost my sister, I have lost my best friend, my Maid of Honour, the Auntie to my future children and the ability to make memories with her.

I am determined to make a change, to celebrate Abbie’s life and to save innocent lives like hers so I have decided to start this petition to change the speed limit on this road.

The current speed limit is 60 mph, and my goal is to have it changed to 30 mph. The conditions of this road are poor, and are massively affected by the weather. It has a tendency to flood, and therefore does not have an appropriate speed limit. Hopefully this change will reduce the risk of more collisions. There have been multiple accidents on Brooms Lane over the years, and I believe also various lives lost, including my sister’s.

Help me to make a change and keep our roads safe! How many more lives have to be lost before we take action? 

Thank you,

Amy Devanney