A BBC camera crew has inadvertently recorded a dramatic collision on the A1 in Lincolnshire while preparing a news report about road safety.
The incident, which occurred as the crew was filming near Great Ponton, has intensified local concerns about the road’s safety following several recent accidents.
The footage captured shows a white Seat and a blue Tesla colliding as they approached a junction on the dual carriageway. Fortunately, both drivers were seen by the crew after the crash and appeared unharmed. The cars were promptly moved to a safer location, preventing further traffic disruption.
Local residents have long voiced their frustrations over the A1’s safety, particularly at junctions where B roads intersect with the dual carriageway. Cameron Matthews, a local resident, criticized the road’s design, stating, “There’re crashes almost every day. That’s really bad there. It’s not safe to cross over.”
Mike King, 80, from Colsterworth, echoed these concerns, noting that accidents occur “every other week” and lead to severe traffic congestion in his village.
Fiona Caller, a resident living next to the Great Ponton junction, shared photos of a recent crash where a car ploughed through her neighbour’s fence.
She highlighted the frequency of such incidents, noting, “A few weeks ago there were four crashes there in less than a week.” She also pointed out the safety risks for families, especially those with young children.
Richard Davies, the executive councillor for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, has called for a significant overhaul of the A1, referring to the stretch between Stamford and Newark as “a national level problem that needs a national level solution.”
Davies emphasized the need for a “substantial upgrade” to address the numerous accident black spots along the route, suggesting that a motorway-type upgrade might be necessary to enhance safety.
In response to the growing concerns, National Highways, which oversees the A1, has reiterated its commitment to road safety.
A spokesperson for the organization stated, “The A1 generally performs well on safety. Nevertheless, we are never complacent and we recognize the concern that people have expressed.”
They assured the public that safety on this stretch of road will continue to be “under continual review” and pledged to collaborate with the local community on future safety improvements.
The recent footage has only served to highlight the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures on the A1.
As the debate over potential upgrades continues, the local community remains vigilant, hoping for swift action to address the road’s hazardous conditions and prevent further accidents.
