A5092: Mum fears for kids’ safety after car crashes

Dr Bond, who lives off the A road at Grizebeck, is particularly concerned about the junction at Buckhorn Lane. She says the increasing volume and speed of traffic passing her home is putting residents, children and wildlife at serious risk. The aftermath of a crash into Dr Bond's property on the A5092 in Grizebeck (Image: Dr Bond) "In the past couple of years, two cars have crashed into our home because of speeding causing damage to the gable end of our home and our garden," Dr Bond said: "Both incidents were reported to the police."

"Now, I'm terrified something is going to happen when my children are playing in the garden. The junction by our house is another serious concern - several reflective bollards are missing or damaged, and it's almost invisible at night." Dr Bond contacted Westmorland and Furness Council to request the installation of speed control measures and/or cameras.

She says that while the road has since been changed to a 50mph zone, compliance is poor and the road remains dangerous. The bollards that are continually struck on that section of the A5092 (Image: Dr Bond) In recent months, a wall was knocked down by a vehicle speeding close to the quarry. In February, a three-vehicle collision occurred [1] involving two cars and a truck, with one driver taken to hospital.

She added: "There is so much damage that has occurred along this stretch of the A5092 due to careless driving and so many animals are lost to speeding traffic. "The noise from HGVs is also awful and constant. I've contacted the authorities about putting in place a speed reduction and speed control cameras, but I'm constantly passed between the police and the council."

Extensive structural damage to the garden wall at Brockhorn House after a vehicle left the road and collided with the property (Image: Dr Bond) Dr Bond is now urging the council and police to work together to find a long-term solution that protects residents and road users alike. She said: "It's terrifying living next to a road where drivers ignore the speed limit - that's entirely unnecessary. "The traffic could be slowed whilst driving through the hamlet.

This would be beneficial for all for several reasons - it would reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring as drivers should be more in control of their vehicles at 30mph, the noise generated by the engines and tyres on the road surface at a slower speed would also be reduced "This would have a positive impact on us, the people living here and the wildlife in the surrounding Lake District National Park." Debris from the crash, including the car's bumper and headlight, scattered across the grass beside the damaged property (Image: Dr Bond)

In response to Dr Bond's concerns, a spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "We have received requests for amendments to the speed limit on the A5092 near Grizebeck. "The speed limit on this section was previously reduced in 2022 as part of a safety improvement initiative. "The request to further reduce the speed limit has been reviewed before and was not progressed, as it did not align with Department for Transport's 'Setting Local Speed Limits' guidance and was not considered suitable for the location.

"In light of the recent concerns raised, we will work with partner agencies when the matter is brought to the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership.

"The group includes representatives from Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue and Westmorland and Furness Council."

References

^ a three-vehicle collision occurred (www.nwemail.co.uk)