A FAMILY’S campaign for crash barriers on all dual carriageways in Redditch, launched in memory of their son, will be considered by councillors “in detail”.

The family of Ollie Sellers set up a petition for crash barriers after the 19-year-old tragically died in a head-on two-car collision on the A4023 Coventry Highway in Redditch on May 27.

Signatures for the petition, which was featured on the Advertiser’s front page this week, have jumped from 1535 on Tuesday to almost 2500 – surpassing their initial 2000 target.

Ollie’s family aim to take their campaign to Worcestershire County Council, with the highways department stating the issue of safety is a “top priority”.

Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: "Our condolences go to the family of Ollie Sellers at what must be an extremely difficult time.

"In Worcestershire we take road safety very seriously and it's one of our top priorities.

"We look forward to receiving the petition and will be considering the matter in detail."

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean has also backed the campaign for Ollie, who was described by his family as a “fantastic, caring and funny” son and brother.

She has now requested a meeting with Cllr Amos.

She said: “My heart went out to Ollie’s family when I heard about this.

“It was a devastating thing to happen to anyone, but especially to someone so young with their whole life ahead of them.

“I was moved to support this campaign and delighted to add my support and I have requested a meeting with Alan Amos, cabinet member for highways at Worcestershire County Council, to try and ascertain what can be done to expedite the fitting of central reservation barriers on all highways in Redditch.”

Ollie’s family hope their campaign will help prevent other families from having to go through the same heartbreak. 

Dad Paul, 49, said: “Ollie’s death was absolutely preventable.

“Hopefully some good will come out of this awful tragedy to ensure that other families do not have to go through this.”

To sign the petition, visit gopetition.com/petitions/crash-barriers-on-all-redditch-dual-carriageways.html.