Harwich MP 'very disappointed' over National Highways' A120 response

Highways bosses say there are “no current plans to make improvements” at an accident blackspot on the A120 between Wix and Harwich, which has seen two deaths and numerous serious injuries in just three years.

In response to the report, Sir Bernard Jenkin who has previously called for a 50mph speed limit, said: “This is a very technical response but it does not hide the dreadful toll of the death and injury of this road.

“I am very disappointed that it does not mention a 50mph limit this without doubt would reduce the number and severity of collisions."

Sir Bernard said he has since met with Tendring councillor Carlo Guglielmi and with Essex County Council's cabinet member for highways Tom Cunningham.

Mr Cunningham will now raise the A120 report and the need for a 50mph limit at the Local Highways Panel (LHP) - where Highways England and county councillors meet together.

Concern - Sir Bernard Jenkin with parish and district councillors and Highways England bosses earlier in January (Image: Office of Sir Bernard Jenkin)

Sir Bernard Jenkin said the panel would be “imminent” with the meetings happening about once a month.

He added: “I am seeking to involve the police, fire, and crime commissioner to get his support for a 50mph speed limit, and I am writing again to Highways England to express my disappointment."

Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson submitted enquiries to National Highways starting at the end of last year and last week National Highways released their review of Primrose Lane junction between Wix and Harwich.

Urgent - Councillor Ivan Henderson said the question was now when any safety measures would be implemented (Image: Submitted)

Using data from June 2020 to September 2023, the technical note said there were two collisions resulting in personal injury within a 200-metre radius of the junction, both of which resulted in fatal injuries.

The number of collisions on average on the stretch of road – at 6.6 per year – in 2015, 2016, and 2018 were all above the baseline average.

Further data from 2015 to 2019 found that there were 33 personal injury collisions on the road including ten 'killed or seriously injured', with four of those being fatal.

Steven Thulborn, from National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority which is why we are looking at ways to improve the A120 in Harwich.

“These plans are currently at a development stage as we continue to work alongside Essex County Council to identify and coordinate a series of appropriate measures to increase safety on this vital road leading to one of the region’s major ports.”

On the A120 East there four fatal crashes in as many months in 2022.

Beloved - Nicola Frost and David Edmunds (Image: Family)

This included the death of healthcare worker Nicola Frost, 40, who died following a collision involving her Suzuki Ignis and a Mercedes Sprinter van on the A120 at nearby Ramsey.

Antiquarian bookseller David Edmunds, 82, of Wrabness, died following a collision between his Volvo V40 and a van at the A120’s junction with Primrose Lane.

An 84-year-old woman also died following a crash on the A120 at Wix, while quad biker Marley Kline, 18, died after a collision on the Colchester-bound A120 at Great Bromley.

To read the full technical note visit here and to read the letter of enquiry click here.