Village speed limit reduced after residents’ concern over number of crashes

The speed limit of a section of the A52 will be reduced from 60mph to 50mph following concerns from residents and reports of several accidents. 

Lincolnshire County Council’s planning and regulation committee reviewed the limit for the straight stretch of road at the top of Donington – which many residents need to cross by foot – at a meeting on Monday, December 2.

Ward councillor Jane King joined the meeting, noting that most accidents on the road are “fender benders” – an American term for a minor accident – that occur without police involvement and so don’t show on the figures. She said Donington Parish Council would have preferred the limit to be reduced to 40mph but acknowledged that Lincolnshire Police considered 50mph “more realistic”.

Councillor King previously highlighted that footfall in the village has increased since the opening of the new Co-op, adding: “We have got people with buggies and small kids along with older people who have to wait until the road is completely clear, and sometimes it can take a while.”

There have also been reports of lorries stopping on the A52 in order to visit the new store. The councillor fears that more accidents will happen as a result of the current situation – but is also putting out an appeal for more people to report collisions.

Recognising local residents’ concerns, Councillor Marianne Overton questioned whether reducing the limit to 40mph would be feasible. However, Councillor Tom Smith felt it should remain at 60mph, insisting the change would be difficult to enforce over the 300-metre stretch.

“You could never enforce that,” he argued.

However, Councillor Charlotte Vernon suggested that the 50mph limit be a “suitable compromise”. This was seconded by Chairman Ian Fleetwood and approved.