18th August 2015

AXMINSTER: Another serious accident closes A35 at Hunters Lodge

by Anders Larsson

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A man was airlifted to hospital after another serious accident at the notorious A35 blackspot at Hunters Lodge, near Axminster.

Emergency services were called at 3.30pm on Wednesday, August 12th to an accident involving three vehicles.

An ambulance spokesperson said that a man in his 50s suffered head injuries and was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Another person was taken to hospital in Dorchester and was treated for what is understood to have been minor injuries.

Police said the stretch of road reopened at 6pm, but had no update regarding the injured man's condition.

It was only last month that “serious road safety improvements” were announced for the blackspot.

These include a pedestrian crossing by the post office, vehicle-activated warning signs, an extension of the 40mph speed limit and improved road markings.

Since then, local district councillor Ian Hall has been in discussion with MP Neil Parish about adding what is known as average speed cameras.

Unlike traditional speed cameras, these cameras monitor speed over a set distance – and anyone coming out

with an average speed higher than the speed limit for the stretch monitored risks a fine.

Councillor Hall said: “I have no objection to what they are going to do but, to save us going down that road again, the one thing that keeps coming up is average speed cameras.

“I hope they will be considered, and I hope the MP will raise it with the relevant people. He said he would discuss the subject.”