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‘Too many lives are being lost’ - Dangers of A47 in Scarning highlighted by another fatality
The A47 is closed at Scarning after a serious crash involving two lorries. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
A young ambassador for road safety has said too many lives are being lost on Norfolk's roads after another fatal crash on the A47 in Scarning.
Two lorries were involved in the collision that took place on a straight section of road between the A1075 and A1065 on Thursday morning.
The two drivers sustained minor injuries but a male passenger died, marking the third fatality on that stretch of road in four months.
Thomas Semmons, from Scarning, became a young ambassador for road safety with the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) after he was seriously injured in a car accident on the B1145 in 2016.
Speaking of the A47 in Scarning, he said: 'The two main issues for me are how drivers drive on that road, and the poor infrastructure of the road.
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'That road is very uneven with lots of potholes and no lighting. The number of junctions on that road without slip roads also means that vehicles have to suddenly slow down and lots of vehicles drive too close and don't allow proper stopping distances.
'For me this could be improved by the road surface being improved, lighting being installed, and the layout of junctions being changed. We're losing too many lives on our roads at the moment and people of all ages are being affected.'
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Scarning Parish Council recently highlighted the urgency of the situation to the Highways England, following two major accidents last year that resulted in the death of two men.
A spokesperson for Highways England told the council that safety is its 'highest priority' and it has a clear understanding of the problems on the A47 through Scarning.
Thomas Semmons. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Ian Burt
They added that next month work will begin on improving this section of the road, beginning with replacing various warning signs with ones on a high visibility, yellow backed board. They also confirmed the organisation will be making repairs to the concrete on the carriageway.
Further work will also be done at a later time, including improving all road markings, replacing all road studs and adding warning signs.
Meanwhile, Mid-Norfolk MP George Freeman said the latest fatality highlights the 'urgency' for dualling the A47.
