The hamlet of Little Almshoe in Hertfordshire has become the site of a notorious accident blackspot, with 40 crashes recorded over the past three decades. Five of these incidents have occurred already this year, disrupting the village's typically tranquil atmosphere.
Pensioner Paul Pinkstone, whose cottage is situated near the junction, has frequently been among the first responders to accidents while awaiting emergency services. Pinkstone, a resident for 30 years, believes that many of these crashes could be prevented with enhanced safety measures, particularly improved signage and clearer road markings. The crashes often result in vehicles being written off and require regular attendance from police, ambulance, and fire rescue services.
One particularly distressing incident involved a trapped motorist who Pinkstone helped attend to before specialist fire teams arrived to extract them. The recurring accidents have also led to significant financial costs for residents like Pinkstone, who has spent thousands of pounds repairing damaged fencing. While he has claimed on his house insurance, the incidents have impacted his premiums and excess.
Pinkstone, who is advocating for change alongside other residents, pointed to issues such as poor visibility of existing signs and eroded road markings. The B656 road, which connects Hitchin and Welwyn, currently has a 60 mph speed limit. Drivers traveling from country lanes must yield to traffic in Little Almshoe, but the unclear road markings and the speed limit contribute to some drivers failing to recognize the need to give way.
The safety concerns extend to the local community. A family has expressed fear over their child using a nearby bus stop due to the frequent accidents. A past incident involved a car attempting to overtake a tractor at the crossroads, resulting in a collision that overturned the tractor and injured its driver.
Pinkstone's proposed solutions include reducing the speed limit on the B656 to 40 mph, replacing 'give way' signs with 'stop' signs, and implementing a 20 mph speed limit through the historic village center, which lacks pavements.
These calls for action are supported by the Parish Council, County Councillor Ralph Muncer, and Labour MP for Hitchin, Alistair Strathern, who have also advocated for the installation of stop signs at the junction.
Hertfordshire County Council acknowledged the concerns, stating they are aware of the impact of crashes and near misses on the community. A spokesperson indicated that the council will engage with Mr. Pinkstone to better understand the residents' experiences. Future decisions regarding the location will consider crash history, road characteristics, traffic conditions, and community feedback.