A country lane that claimed 17 vehicles in just three days because it was ‘not gritted’ during snowy weather has prompted fresh concerns as winter approaches.
Mr Lee Evans said of Bell Lane in Little Chalfont he has the “same concerns as last winter” – after numerous drivers lost control on what became a ‘treacherous skating rink’ in January.
His fears follow Met Office reports the first snow this winter could blanket the UK in just a few weeks.
Mr Evans was part of a team of people, including the AA, who helped recover many stranded drivers from the lane.
He said at the time Bucks Council “refused to grit the road and never did”.
He also said he and others notified the council when incidents began to pile up “and it was clear that a threat to life was apparent”, adding the authority closed Bell Lane hours later instead of salting it after he pressed it to act.
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Mr Evans took to social media at the time to warn drivers about the closed road but “many ignored the signage”.
A total of 17 cars were recovered over the three days.
At the time Transport for Bucks said its ‘limited resources could only be diverted to further activities if available and without risk to the major network’.
It added: “Winter service is an important part of TfB’s maintenance work.”
Mr Evans now claims 11 smashes have since occurred on the same lane, this year – adding there are no salt bins or “contingency plans” as the cold weather draws in.
“This situation remains the same,” he said. “No salt bins. No contingency plans. So far this year, 11 accidents on that small stretch of road.”
Cllr Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Transport for Buckinghamshire regularly reviews gritting routes across the county. With such an extensive road network in Buckinghamshire, it is simply not possible to treat all roads during adverse weather. We will close roads that are known to be dangerous or where incidents have occurred and would ask the public to use alternative routes for their own safety during this time.
“Salt bins are no longer supplied free of charge, but local parishes, town councils, members of the public or other community groups can purchase them for a cost, to locate on the public highway, subject to approval by the local area office. New bins will be added to the local area list and will be refilled as part of the normal refill process.”
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