Calls for major Lincolnshire road to be upgraded to a motorway

The A1 between Peterborough and Blythe has seen 64 people killed in crashes since 2015, according to a transport research group

There have been calls for a major road in Lincolnshire to be upgraded to a motorway, with supporters claiming it will reduce the number of accidents.

There have been almost 1,000 crashes on the A1 between Peterborough and Blythe since 2015, according to transport research group Midlands Connect.

The organisation said 36 of the incidents were fatal.

Anita Davies, who runs a truckers' cafe in Colsterworth, said crashes regularly caused long delays on the route.

"I get lorry drivers coming in saying they've been queuing in traffic for three to four hours," she said. "It's a real mess some days."

Ms Davies said she was involved in a collision on the A1 near Grantham 15 years ago.

"I didn't drive for six months after my crash and with the A1 being as busy as it is now, I get the jitters every time I go past the spot where I had my crash," she said.

Cafe owner Anita Davies said she was involved in a crash on the A1

National Highways said it is planning some safety improvements on the A1 between Little Ponton and Tickencote, including new road markings and warning signs.

"Safety is our highest priority," the agency said.

"We constantly review all of our roads and continue to work alongside stakeholders such as the police, Road Safety Partnerships, local authorities and parish councils to identify issues that require attention."

Councillor Richard Davies, who is responsible for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "A few bits of paint and few more signs aren't going to cut it.

"The road needs upgrading properly and the government needs to take this issue seriously."