New road markings to address accident blackspot

The East of England Ambulance Service said one of its vehicles fell into a ditch at the junction in 2023

New road markings and signs have been installed at a waterside crossroads, which was regarded locally as an accident blackspot.

Boots Bridge near Manea, Cambridgeshire, recorded at least nine crashes between 2012 and 2017, according to CrashMap, including one involving an ambulance in July 2023.

Cambridgeshire County Council said incidents had reduced since previous improvements in 2019, but residents remained concerned.

Alex Beckett, the chair of the highways and transport committee at the authority, said changes included a reduction in the speed limit, red countdown markers and new "give way" signs.

The junction had received improvements in 2019, but residents said it remained a "nightmare"

Residents living nearby said "poor signage" was to blame for vehicles ending up in the ditch and described it as a "nightmare".

The junction of the B1093 Manea Road and the B1098 Sixteen Foot Bank is known as Boots Bridge.

The Sixteen Foot Drain runs alongside the B1098, while a bridge takes the B1093 over the waterway.

Mr Beckett said: We’re aware of the concerns and following further engagement with residents and councillors, we have made several changes to warn drivers ahead of the junction and, most importantly, aim to reduce vehicle speeds.

"We’ve lowered the speed limit on the approaches, added red countdown markers, new 'give way' and directional signs, and introduced a red high-friction surface around the junction.’’

Motorists will be warned to slow down with red countdown markers

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed one of its vehicles fell into the ditch following a crash with a car in 2023 while responding to an emergency.

"The driver of the car was transported to hospital with minor injuries, while the ambulance crew sustained cuts and bruises," according to a spokesperson.

The county council has also lowered the speed limit on the approach to the junction