THE friends and family of a Gwent man who was killed in a crash on the A467 have started a campaign calling for better drainage on the road where he died.

Michael Harvey, 33, from Underwood, died on February 18 after his Renault Megane crashed on the A467 between Rogerstone and Bassaleg.

The father of two was travelling on the southbound carriageway when his car crashed, and despite firefighters working to cut him free from the vehicle, he was pronounced dead at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.

A Gwent Police spokesman said the road was closed for five hours in both directions after the incident.

Local people reported that a large amount of surface water was causing cars to aquaplane, and campaigners are now calling for drainage to be replaced along the A467, and for better signage to warn of the flood risk where Mr Harvey lost his life.

Stacey Gallagher, a family friend of Mr Harvey and his wife Julie, started an e-petition on the Welsh Assembly website which has already collected more than 150 signatures, with paper petitions in shops and businesses across Gwent also picking up more names, including Morrisons in Rogerstone and the Budgen store in Magor.

Speaking on behalf of the campaigners, Mrs Gallagher said: “Every time it rains the water builds up in the fast lane on each side, and there is no permanent signage to warn people it is dangerous.

“It’s life-threatening.

Michael died from it and other people could.

“He can’t die in vain.”

She added Mr Harvey’s wife Julie was fully behind the campaign, and has signed the petition.

Following her husband’s death, Mrs Harvey paid tribute to him saying he was “my life, my soul”.

Mrs Harvey added: “It’s going to be so hard without you in our lives.

“I love you so much and will miss you forever.”

To sign the petition, visit the link below and click on the petition called “Signage and drainage on the A467”.