Speed limit sought on potentially ‘lethal’ A143 between Wickhambrook and HMP Highpoint
Tony Gearing is starting a petition to get the speed limit reduced on the A143 between HMP Highpoint and Wickhambrook from 60 to 40mph
‘TAKE a minute – spare a life’ is the message of one man looking to reduce the speed limit along a two-mile section of the A143.
Tony Gearing, 53, lives along the road in Stradishall, and wants the speed between HMP Highpoint and Wickhambrook to drop from the current national speed limit to 40 miles per hour.
He has now started a petition to support his proposal, and if he attracts 100 signatures may hold a public meeting on the issue.
“We’ve seen so many accidents in the two years we’ve been here – we’ve pulled a young mother and her baby out of the ditch across the road from us,” he said.
“We’ve found bits of vehicles that have mounted the kerb on our verge and seen the road closed for accidents.
“We’re told that people have died on the (Wickhambrook - Clare) crossroads in living memory and it’s a frequent accident spot.
“It’s a lethal accident waiting to happen because of the spot where people are driving through the junction.”
Mr Gearing, a former reporter for The Independent and The Telegraph, lives with wife Jo, 39, and sons Nathaniel, three, and Noah, two.
He was spurred into action following the latest crash at 3.10pm on June 21, when a green Peugeot 206 GLX and a grey Land Rover Freelander were blocking the road in Stradishall.
Two women drivers, aged 39 and 78, suffered minor injuries.
Suffolk County Council cleared a diesel spill on the road, which was closed until 5.05pm.
“This stretch of road is two miles so people driving through it 60 will get through it in two minutes.
“If you drive through at 40 instead of 60 it will take you three minutes instead, so all they have lost is a minute and that could save a life.
“It’s not just a risk to the lives of the residents here but the people that are driving through, and all for the sake of one minute.
“That’s what I’m saying – take a minute, spare a life.
“If we save a life for the sake of one minute, then surely that is worth it?”
Mr Gearing, originally from Hertofrshire, is the founder and trustee of the Young People of the Year charity.
To sign his petition, visit ipetitions.com/petition/A143Stradishall
Nobody from Suffolk County Council was available to comment about the possibility of reducing the speed limit along the road.
For all the latest news see Thursday’s (July 12) Echo.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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