A CAMPAIGNER has renewed calls for reduced speed limits through his village after a three-vehicle accident on the road near his home.

Tony Gearing, who lives on the A143 in Stradishall, started a petition demanding cuts to the 60-mile-an-hour limit earlier this year. So far around 40 people have signed up to it, and Mr Gearing believes the latest incident shows action must be taken.

Police have confirmed two cars and a van were involved in a collision near the A143’s junction with the B1063 to Wickhambrook at around 5.45pm on Thursday November 8. A female driver was taken to hospital with minor neck injuries and part of the road was closed for almost an hour.

Father-of-four Mr Gearing, 53, said: “The B1063 is just one of ten roads and drives that join the A143 over a few hundred yards. Everyone who enters the A143 over this short stretch risks their lives every time they do so.

“How many more accidents do we need before the authorities recognise that allowing the maximum speed limit on this road is madness?

“Drivers see the maximum speed limit signs and think they own this road.

“We need a speed limit that makes drivers think about everyone’s safety, not one that makes them think there is nothing to worry about.”

Mr Gearing, who is the founder of the charity Young People of the Year, says he wants to collect at least 100 signatures on his petition before taking it to the authorities.

He also intends to include collated information about traffic passing his home and recently spent two weeks recording vehicle movements using radar equipment lent to him by another concerned resident.

He added: “On weekdays about 5,700 vehicles pass by and on weekends it’s near 3,900 per day.

“Of these a quarter are travelling near the national speed limit or breaking it.

“If a resident drives out of one of the ten roads or drives and a vehicle is passing at 60 miles per hour, it’s not going to stop in time.

“Two vehicles a day pass my home at 80 to 100 miles per hour.”

Mr Gearing says, since he started his campaign, he has been contacted by villagers who have informed him of 10 deaths, which have happened on the road over the past 60years.

He believes not all residents have put their name to his petition because they are resigned that nothing can be done. But he says if he gets 100 signatures he will consider calling a public meeting and invite local councillors and emergency services to take part. Visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/A143Stradishall for more details.