Residents fear fatality at "dangerous" Lincolnshire road bend - with calls for 20mph restriction and speed camera

The most recent incident at Hall Corner, in East Keal, saw a cement truck tip over onto the pavement – which almost hit a pedestrian.

The collision, which took place on May 22, damaged the wall of a property owned by Graham Pearson – just four years after an almost identical incident with another cement mixer in 2022.

The latter was captured on CCTV camera by Mr Pearson – showing the truck overturning as it navigated the bend, smashing into the garden wall, and rocking chickens in their enclosure.

Now Mr Pearson has set up a petition calling for Lincolnshire County Council to install a mandatory 20mph limit and average speed camera.

In recent years, the council has introduce a number of safety measures on the bend – including advisory 20mph and a range of warning signs highlighting the bend. The authority now says it is reviewing the issue to see if further action is required.

"Hall Corner has been known for many years as being a dangerous bend,” said Mr Pearson, 62. “It has been the location of many accidents including several involving overturned lorries, but if driven sensibly, it can be negotiated without issue. Some drivers are not taking notice of signs and road markers so tougher action is now needed.”

Mr Pearson said there are residents in the village who “refuse to use the footpath” for fear of what might happen.

At the time of the 2022 collision, Graham’s daughter, Hannah McKinlay, lived at the address, but she has since moved out over “stress and anxiety” caused by the collisions.

“It is awful that it has happened again, but it was only a matter of time,” she said. “On this day, a local volunteer called Roy was mowing the grass on the verge when he saw the concrete mixer approaching, this passed him

and overturned exactly on the spot where he had been seconds earlier. Roy and the people in the following car went to help the driver, who fortunately was okay.”

Commenting on the lucky escape, Roy added: “I was shocked, it makes one question their mortality. Something clearly needs to be done - the next person may not be so lucky.”

The property owned by Mr Pearson is now being let to tenants, Lee and Sam Billson. They said: “We have lived at this property for nearly two years, and every time we pull out of our driveway we are fearful because of vehicles speeding around the bend. Many drivers do not realise how sharp the bend is until it is too late, creating a serious safety risk.”

Responding to the calls for new safety measures, Shaun Butcher, Highways Manager at Lincolnshire County Council said: “We are aware of the latest incident on 22 May. Several safety measures have been introduced at the site in recent years following a similar incident in 2022. These include advisory 20mph and ‘SLOW’ markings, and a range of warning signs highlighting the bend, its advisory speed, and the adverse camber.

“Additional high-visibility signage, red surfacing, and chevron boards have also been installed to guide drivers. A vehicle-activated sign was later added on the approach to the bend to provide drivers with real-time warnings.

“Despite these measures, the council acknowledges local concerns following the latest incident and we are reviewing the circumstances, along with previous cases, to decide whether further action is required.

“Changes such as introducing a mandatory 20mph speed limit or additional enforcement would need to meet national guidance and would be considered in partnership with Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.”