People living near an accident blackspot in safety call after two deaths
People living near an accident blackspot where two young people died are calling for improved safety measures.
Kelly Marie Bulmer, 17, and James Adamson, 23, both from Oakham, died in a collision on the A6003 at Sounding Bridge, in Manton, Rutland, on August 25. It is not known what caused the crash.
The driver of the car in which they were passengers remains in a stable condition at University Hospital Coventry.
The car collided with a van, the driver of which suffered minor injuries.
Now, all 23 residents of the nearby village of Gunthorpe are backing a campaign for more restrictions and signs.
Rutland County Council said it had earmarked the stretch of road for improvements, including an anti-skid surface and a crash barrier, before the crash.
But villagers also want a lowering of the speed limit from 50mph to to 40 and double white lines to prevent overtaking.
In the past 10 years, there have been 18 accidents on the stretch of road, resulting in three deaths, including the latest two, five serious and 29 slight injuries.
Gunthorpe resident Joyce Stokes, 70, said: "The number of vehicle incidents including collisions, injuries and, sadly, fatalities appears to be increasing week by week between Gunthorpe and Sounding Bridge."
The residents have sent a 10-point plea for action to the county council.
Meanwhile, the family of James Adamson, who was originally from Rochdale, have paid tribute to the 23-year-old chef, calling him a "free spirit".
His parents, Mark and Catherine Brown, said: "He was a wonderful son who we are so immensely proud of and an adored brother of nine-year-old Jemima. He was a free spirit who lived life to the full and was always seeking new adventures.
"He and his girlfriend Elizabeth 'Bobby' Horne have shared these adventures together, working as snow rangers, chalet hosts and in the catering industry."
James was a second chef at Greetham Valley golf club and had been on the way to play football for Rutland Rangers when the crash happened.
3 Comments
by David, Great Easton, Rural Leicestershire.
Monday, September 06 2010, 2:02PM
“At my third attempt to comment on this story I wish to state the A6003, a road I have travelled along for over 30 years is not dangerous!!
Whilst sympathising with the residents of Gunthorpe no amount of money is going to stop these accidents.
It is all to do with driver education and awareness and until these issues are resolved accidents will continue to take place on this road.”
by Jon, leics
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:40PM
“A photo is worth a thousand words they say - look at the warning posts lying on the ground and bent over indicating vehicles have gone off the road, then look how close the black car is to the centre of the road, at the beginning of the bend, whats the betting that it crossed the centre markings as it went further round the corner.
Two accident scenarios shown in one picture.”
by CGLee, near Melton
Monday, September 06 2010, 10:31AM
“When I was a serving police officer in Rutland in the 1990s this was an accident blackspot. I attended a number of accidents back then and it seems as though nothing has changed.
The speed limit should be lowered and speed cameras installed and yes, there should be double white lines to prevent overtaking at this location.
Two of these measures could be introduced at minimal cost and would almost certainly save lives.
If speed cameras cannot be afforded then speed advisory boards could be installed at less expense.”