THE SDLP has called on a government department to add 'Derry' alongside 'Londonderry' on new road signs on the upgraded A6 Derry to Belfast route.
The Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said using both names on the upgraded road would help stop vandalism and also reduce confusion for tourists.
Road signs within Northern Ireland currently only use 'Londonderry' - often leading to 'London' being painted over.
Londonderry remains the legal title of the city and county, but the local authority, Derry City and Strabane District Council, officially uses 'Derry' while 'Derry/Londonderry' was widely usedduring the 2013 City of Culture.
In a letter to Department for Infrastructure (DfI) permanent secretary Peter May, Mr Durkan described the proposal as 'positive, practical and non-contentious'.
He wrote: “I am proposing that 'Derry' appear alongside, rather than instead of 'Londonderry'. Not only would this recognise the name by which most of her inhabitants call their city but it could also eradicate the vandalism issue.
“Furthermore, it would also get rid of confusion experienced by tourists, particularly as road signs in the Republic bear 'Derry'.
“I believe my proposal to be positive, practical and non-contentious and I would very much welcome the department's view on its implementation.”
Mr May responded that the request would normally be passed to the DfI minister but as there was no Executive in place.
He continued: "In this case, the name Londonderry is already on existing signs and therefore it is this name that will be used along the new A6 Drumahoe to Dungiven dualling scheme."
“This ensures that there is consistency across the road network."
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