Person in hospital after crash at accident blackspot
The B1146 at the Hempton Road junction. Pic: Google Maps. - Credit: Google Maps
A councillor campaigning for a road to be revamped said his "heart sank" after hearing a person was in hospital following a crash involving three vehicles at an accident blackspot.
Emergency services were called to Dereham Road crossroads with the B1146 in Hempton on Thursday, May 20 to a report of a three-vehicle road traffic collision.
Two ambulances and three rapid response vehicles attended the scene. With one patient being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
Two Fakenham appliances used enhanced hydraulic rescue equipment to free one person from the vehicle. Fire crews also made vehicles and the surrounding area safe.
Tom FitzPatrick at the Hempton crossroads, where he hopes a new roundabout will be built. - Credit: Tom FitzPatrick
The collision comes 24 hours after Norfolk County Council revealed the potential new layout of the junction, which would see the current crossroads replaced with a new roundabout and new and improved paths and crossings for pedestrians.
Tom Fitzpatrick, county councillor for the area is campaigning for the roundabout to be installed here.
He said when he heard the news of another crash at the site, his heart sank.
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“I always have a sinking feeling when I hear about accidents where medical attention is needed,” he said.
North Norfolk District Council leader Tom FitzPatrick. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2015
“Every accident has consequences, but where people are injured these can have huge long term effects, both for the victims and also their dependents.
“We need to take the opportunity to try to prevent more happening in the future.”
He said the crash reinforces the need for the roundabout.
“This is the latest in a series of accidents at this blackspot over the years,” he said.
Police were called following a crash on Grapes Hill in Norwich. Photo: James Bass - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2014
“It reinforces the need for improvements to the junction to address the problem and the experts in Highways have recommended a roundabout.”
Some people have suggested traffic lights in the area, but he believes a roundabout is a better option.
“In my discussions with Highways and the local Police, a traffic light system is not seen as a viable solution here, particularly at night,” he said.
“A roundabout will slow traffic, both on approaching the junction and, importantly, help keep speeds down when traffic exits the roundabout and moves through the village towards Fakenham.”
He believes an awareness campaign reminding people to follow the signs and take care on the road would help, as well as considering more accident blackspot signs, and asking the police to monitor speeds on the main road.
