New speed limits for Lincolnshire road with 'fierce reputation' after eight fatal crashes in 14 years

New speed restrictions will be introduced on the A631 in the Lincolnshire Wolds

New speed limit restrictions have been given the go ahead for a Lincolnshire road that has seen eight fatal crashes and 260 casualties in 14 years. The A631, between Market Rasen and Louth, will have new limits on three stretches after a unanimous vote by Lincolnshire County Council’s planning committee.

Despite nine objections from residents who said that the national speed limit of 60mph was more suitable for a rural road, councillors voted in favour of the proposals. Cllr Stephen Bunney previously said that “hardly a year had gone by” in his three decades in the area without a serious crash, and Cllr Thomas Ashton said during the meeting the council “has to start somewhere”, Lincolnshire Live reports.

Under the new scheme, the council will introduce 50mph limits on stretches between Market Rasen and North Willingham, North Willingham and Ludford, and on both approaches to South Elkington. The proposals also involved a new 40mph limit through the built-up area to the south that would include the junction with A157 and the extension of the 30mph limit along Willingham Road in Market Rasen.

Those criticising the plan said decreasing the speed limit might cause riskier overtaking, possibly causing more accidents, and that journey times might get “unreasonably” longer. They also wondered if enforcing the new limit may be an issue.

Cllr Bunney responded by saying that while many locals know the road well, it tends to worry outsiders. He commented: “It is very clear that the people in North Willingham are very concerned about the speed on the route. A slower speed will hopefully prevent further accidents.”

He also mentioned that traffic issues near De Aston School, in Willingham Road, regularly impact children’s safety. Cllr Ian Carrington chimed in saying the road has “an absolutely fierce reputation”.

To make this risky road safer, the county council applied for funding from the Government’s £175m Safer Roads Fund. This was after the Road Safety Foundation ranked it amongst the 50 riskiest A-class roads in the country.