A main road that villagers warned was a ‘ticking time bomb’ due to speeding cars will undergo a speed survey after three serious road traffic accidents in just over a month.

Recent accidents on the stretch of the A4130 that runs through Brightwell-cum-Sotwell include a collision on April 13 near the junction to Slade End.

Another accident followed on April 24 near the Bell Lane exit when a vehicle was flipped, and there was a three-vehicle collision near the exit to Didcot Road on April 29.

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The collisions have prompted Oxfordshire County Council to arrange two speed surveys on the road in June after resurfacing work has taken place.

These will determine whether lowering the speed limit of the 50mph road is appropriate.

The council has requested collision details from Thames Valley Police for analysis. 

Oxford Mail: A vehicle involved in the collision on April 29

Villagers say the number of turnings, exits, entrances on the road means a 40mph limit would be more appropriate. They recently set up a speed awareness group and have called for other speed reduction measures such as cameras and speed bumps.

The police said it had no plans for speed cameras on the road but added that roads policing officers patrolled it regularly.

Clare Watts, who was born and raised in Brightwell, said: “The A4130 will always be a road and an important one at that, however it needs to be used better and safer, bad driving needs to be addressed and acted upon.

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“The section outside Brightwell from Slade End to the bends at Didcot is a 50mph yet has endless turnings, exits, entrances plus multiple bridle paths, cycle paths and pedestrian crossings so how 50mph is deemed appropriate is baffling.

“There have always been accidents on this road but recently it’s been awful in multiple places even involving flipped cars.

“It does feel a fast road when driving and drivers need to do a better job of sticking to the speed limit as it’s not observed. Often, it’s exceeded well above and accidents are the result.

Oxford Mail: A lorry passing through the A4130 in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell

“The road needs to be used by all and not just drivers, however too many drivers fail to drive it appropriately and ruin it for the rest.

“I urge those in positions of power to act on the speed limit and to do so urgently as the situation is at crisis point.

“How can two sections of the bypass be reduced to 40mph and yet the Brightwell road in comparison is 50mph with triple the exits, entrances and crossings.

“Also further along the A4130 heading in the Didcot direction it’s 40mph so why is that ok but not outside Brightwell.

“For all to use the road safely a reduction in speed is critical as well as those that drive it to do so better. Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders have priority on the road now under law and yet are often not given this courtesy.

“Bad drivers are not held to account, there is no speed camera, no speed bumps, no police presence nothing but the speed signs which aren’t obviously doing much.

“I think a fixed speed camera would really help. I now have my headcam to record and report this awful driving so that my horse and I can remain safe and use the road.”

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Sue Robson, who sits on Brightwell cum Sotwell Parish Council, said: “Villagers are often asking the Parish Council what we can do to stop people speeding in and around the village.

“Although we now have a 20mph speed limit within the village the problem is not solved and we also urgently need to address the speed on the A4130. 

“We have asked highways repeatedly for a pedestrian crossing and to look at the speed along the A4130 to no avail. 

“Hopefully after this spate of horrible accidents the speed limit can be reduced along the length of the A4130 but particularly around Brightwell-cum-Sotwell as there are so many roads, properties and footpaths exiting onto this road.

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“The road is only going to get busier when all the new houses are occupied so getting out onto the road from the village is going to become even more dangerous.  We really need this speed limit implemented and a crossing installed.”

Councillor Pete Sudbury, who represents Wallingford on Oxfordshire County Council, said traffic would grow as new housing developments are built in the area.

He said: “Our traffic officers, who are extremely good, are aware of the recent spate of accidents and the anomalous nature of the 50mph limit, given the number of turnings, driveways and exits, and footpaths crossing this stretch.

“They are waiting for the police to complete accident investigations and make recommendations, before they act. I’m still asking if we can have temporary warning signs in the meantime: three nasty accidents is enough.”