Changes agreed to stop accidents at 'lethal' crossroads near Gainsborough
The speed limit will be dropped around a crossroads near Gainsborough that motorists don’t see until the last moment.
There have been four serious accidents at Grayingham crossroads since 2021, including one where a young boy was killed.
The B1205-B1398 junction is located on the brow of a hill, meaning motorists often don’t realise they’re approaching it until too late.
Lincolnshire County Council’s planning committee agreed to reduce the limit to 50mph in all directions on Monday, July 13.
The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership said they had tried every other measure to increase safety without any success.
Coun Chris Reeve, who represents the area said: “Despite ‘give way’ signs being installed, accidents that kill or injure have continued.
“Drivers aren’t aware it’s there, and LED warning signs haven’t been reliable.
“The only practical option left is to try speed limit restrictions. I don’t know if it will work, but if we keep it as it is, nothing will change – a sure sign of madness.”
Coun Tom Sneath said: “I know the junction well – I’ve travelled over it myself and missed it.
“It’s a lethal junction. Anything we can do to prevent even minor collisions should be done.”
The committee was told that cutting back hedges to increase visibility might encourage drivers to speed up, making it more dangerous.
LRSP senior manager Steven Batchelor said the 50mph zone would “not extend one metre more than required.
“The next step if this doesn’t work would be traffic signals or a roundabout, which would be much more expensive.”
An eight-year-old boy died in an accident at the junction in 2023 after the car he was travelling in collided with another vehicle.
Gainsborough MP, Sir Edward Leigh, called for improvements at the time, saying: “I know this crossroads well and I find it terrifying there. It’s very hard to see approaching traffic.”