Petition launched after six road deaths in a decade

Rebecca Ireland and nearly 800 locals have signed a petition demanding improved safety measures on the A45

A petition was launched after six people were killed in traffic incidents on a main road over the course of a decade.

Rebecca Ireland, from Raunds, Northamptonshire, started the appeal following the death of a man in a crash on the eastbound stretch of A45 in February.

According to data from North Northamptonshire Council (NNC,) six people have been killed in traffic accidents on the A45 between the Stanwick roundabout and the A14 junction by Thrapston in the last 10 years.

A spokesperson from National Highways said they "regularly monitor the performance of routes" including the A45.

A family tribute to one of the victims of a crash on the A45

Since 2014, there has been 11 "serious accidents" and six deaths on the same stretch of single carriageway.

Recent incidents include the death of Daisie Huddle, aged 20, when her black BMW 1 Series was in a collision with a white truck in February 2022.

And in March last year, two men died after a car and HGV crashed between Raunds and the A14 junction.

Ms Ireland said there now should be a "revision" of safety measures including better signage and lighting.

She added her petition has "got the community talking" and hopes it can be a catalyst to get NNC and National Highways looking at how "to protect people to prevent any future deaths."

'It's scary'

More than 700 people have signed the petition since it was launched about a month ago.

Ms Ireland said she "hates" driving along the stretch of the A45 and added "it is scary for everyone [in the community]”.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Safety is our top priority and we regularly monitor the performance of our routes, including the A45.

"We work closely with the police to identify any additional measures which could be considered where safety concerns are identified.”