A CAMPAIGN has been launched by Wangford Parish Council calling for a reduction in the speed limit plus safety cameras and improved signs on the A12 which bypasses the village.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched by Wangford Parish Council calling for a reduction in the speed limit plus safety cameras and improved signs on the A12 which bypasses the village.

The campaign follows the recent death of 63-year-old Brian Spatchett, of Aldeburgh, who was killed after he lost control of his Triumph motorcycle on the southbound carriageway of the A12 near Wangford on August 18.

His death was the second on the road near Wangford in ten months after a 31-year-old Porsche driver was killed in a head-on collision on the southbound carriageway in November last year.

The A12 in the north of the county, which links Lowestoft and Ipswich, is dangerous at Wangford, where it changes from a single to a double carriageway and back again over a short bend.

Steven Smith, vice-chairman of Wangford Parish Council, said: "Over recent years there have been a large number of accidents on this notorious stretch of road, particularly between Wangford and Blythburgh.

"Villagers are very concerned about the difficult junction on the dual carriageway, turning into the village and also over the speed traffic enters the village at the north end where there are numerous turnings to side roads, a pub and a service station."

Councillors agreed at their first meeting since the most recent fatal accident this week to lobby Suffolk County Council, which is responsible for the road, for number of speed reduction initiatives.

These include the lowering of the speed limit along the bypass, additional safety signs telling drivers when the dual carriageway ends and the installation of safety cameras at the site.

A previous campaign by the council for a 40mph speed limit failed but renewed safety calls were made by residents, businesses and councillors from Kessingland, Wangford, Southwold and Blythburgh in the East Anglian Daily Times after the most recent fatality.

However, opinions were divided over what should be done to reduce the number of accidents.

David Chenery, road safety manager with Suffolk County Council, said: "The county council's recent A12 route management strategy will result in several road safety measures along the A12, but has not highlighted the need for speed limit reduction at this point.

"We always welcome suggestions from local residents, however, and look forward to receiving Wangford Parish Council's proposals."