Speed limit rejected for notorious bend where lorries tip over
Plans for a 20mph speed limit on a sharp bend known for large vehicles overturning have been rejected.
Hall Corner on the A16 in East Keal has seen numerous lorries and tractors tip over, often damaging the safety barrier and nearby properties.
There have been at least six recorded accidents since 2019, including a HGV overturning in May this year and landing on the footpath.
Lincolnshire Roads Safety Partnership (LRSP) recommended making the advisory 20mph limit mandatory to slow vehicles and prevent injuries.
Councillor Philip Roberts, who represents the area, said: “This corner has been problematic for years with concrete lorries and tractors tipping over.
“If you’ve seen the footage, it’s very concerning – vehicles end up in people’s front gardens.
“An official 20mph limit would make a big difference. 30mph seems to be the ‘tipping point’ where vehicles lose control.”
However, Lincolnshire County Council’s planning committee rejected this plan at the meeting on Monday, July 13, saying drivers should be educated rather than forced to slow down.
Councillor Martin Hill said: “This would be annoying for the vast majority who are not concrete drivers, and an unnecessary annoyance.”
He added that police would be unlikely to have time to enforce the lower limit.
Councillor Tom Sneath agreed, saying: “I use that road a lot, and everybody else makes it around without incident.
“There are already signs and markings – we’ve done everything possible to let people know there’s a very sharp bend.”
Councillor James Bean said: “We shouldn’t be legislating for poor drivers, we can’t wrap the whole world in cotton wool.”
The LRSP said they would review the corner following the decision, including the signs, safety barriers and incline.
One nearby homeowner whose property was damaged in 2019 said the crash caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, cut off water supplies, and could have killed anyone in the garden.