THE parents of a man killed in a road accident have backed a new support group for victims and their families.

Road Peace North East has been established with the backing of Janet and John Thompson after their son, Jake, 27, died five days after being hit on a pedestrian crossing on the A37 in Bristol.

The family, who lived in Northallerton before moving to Belmont, near Durham, have been fighting to have the lorry driver prosecuted after the accident two years ago.

An inquest heard the lorry had recorded an average speed of 38mph in a 30mph zone shortly before the accident.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has twice declined to charge the driver, Paul Vowles, though a new report is under consideration after it was submitted by Avon and Somerset Police.

The familys solicitor David Robinson, from Teesside, has been appointed chair of the new Road Peace Group.

He said: "During my career as a solicitor I have seen first-hand the effect road collisions are having on our community, that includes the impact of serious injuries inflicted on individuals or the unimaginable anguish caused by fatal collisions.

"This is such a vital campaign, we need to help victims and their families to understand the procedures and make the roads safer. We'll be offering practical advice about the justice system and coroners courts and helping with emotional support.

"We want to work with all the other agencies, the police, road safety groups and welfare officers everyone involved and do whatever we can."

One of the initial targets will be campaigning for large haulage companies to develop driver training policies to minimise the risks to pedestrians and cyclists.

Anyone who would like to contact Road Peace go to www.facebook.com/roadpeacenortheast