Reported accidents are low for problem corner in Deepings

In response to a Freedom of Information by the Lincolnshire Free Press, Department of Transport (DfT) figures showed that only two accidents were reported in Blenheim Way, off Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, between 2000 and 2014.

Both accidents, in 2009 and 2013 respectively, resulted in only slight injuries, with figures for 2015 yet to be released.

Heavy rain resulted in three minor accidents in Blenheim Way three weeks ago, including one where a motorcyclist reportedly came off his bike.

A businessman who works at Northfields, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve had numerous communciations with the highways department to say that it gets ludicrously dangerous when it rains.

“Something needs to be done or else there will be a serious accident or fatality.”

Commenting on the DfT figures, Market and West Deeping district councillor Ashley Baxter said: “The DfT figures show, thankfully, that very few injuries have so far been reported at the corner of Blenheim Way, Market Deeping.

“However, the figures do not reflect how many minor accidents and near-misses happen at the junction.

“A combination of speed and road conditions has resulted in dozens, if not hundreds, of minor accidents, often resulting in damage to property and vehicles.

“Without action by Lincolnshire County Council, it seems only a matter of time before someone is more seriously injured.

“There is no good reason why the 30mph speed restriction shouldn’t be moved further out in order to encourage people to slow down earlier and reduce the risk.

“I would also welcome a regular review of the road surface which seems particularly treacherous in wet weather.”

Kevin Brumfield, the county council’s area highways manager, said: “We have been made aware of concerns about Blenheim Way and I met with a local police inspector on site to assess the situation.

“We agreed that there are adequate warning signs on the approach to the bend, it is also gritted during winter and the road surface has been tested in the past for ‘slipperiness’ which was acceptable for the location and type of material.

“The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership has no records of personal injury at this location and has confirmed that it is are happy with the existing layout.

“Meanwhile, the police have stated that drivers have to take responsibility and drive according to the conditions of the road.”

Inspector Mike Burnett, neighbourhood policing inspector for the Deepings, said: “The number of reported collisions in Blenheim Way is very low and not a cause for concern.

“However, if there are more collisions occurring then are being reported. I would request residents and businesses to report the collisions to us so that we are able to accurately record the information and liaise with highways concerning any modification or adjustment to signage to prevent repeat collisions.”

Mayor of Market Deeping, Coun Wayne Lester, said: ”Market Deeping Town Council is aware of the issues at the corner of Blenheim Way, Market Deeping, and have been working with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) highways department, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and the police to understand the reasons for the spate of incidents.

“This council, along with South Kesteven district and county councillors are pursuing improvements to the signage and the road surface from LCC.”

Market Deeping business and town leaders in fear over sharp bend