Residents raise concerns over road safety after serious crash

The Spinks Lane junction with the B1389, in Witham, was closed to traffic throughout Sunday afternoon following the collision between a Ford Fiesta and Triumph Bonneville motorbike.

Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the scene at around 12.30pm.

The motorcyclist – a 67-year-old man – was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge while a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has since been released under investigation.

The crash has led to residents calling for action to be taken by Essex Highways to improve safety at the junction, with some branding it an “accident waiting to happen” on social media.

Joanne Burford wrote: “Since that road has had the new layout this was always an accident waiting to happen. The left lane should be for left turns and straight ahead, the right-hand lane for just turning right.”

Another comment from Martine Norman said: “Been waiting to happen. For years, I have seen the need for a small roundabout of the kind where drivers turn towards Broomfield Hospital.

“We have silly little painted ones, but no proper one where needed.

Adele Hart wrote: “This is happening all too regularly these days. Thoughts are with the biker and his family.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “We hope that the motorcyclist seriously injured in this collision makes a good recovery.

“Our thoughts are with him and his family and friends.

“We are not aware of any particular history of undue incidents or concerns raised about Spinks Lane, but our road safety engineers always work closely with Essex Police to support them in collision investigations.

“Until the police report is published, we cannot speculate on the causes of this collision.

“If anyone, does have concerns about safety on a particular stretch of road, they can contact their local Essex county councillor who can raise the matter with the local highway panel.”