Following two major crashes on the same stretch of the A14 - with one fatality - this paper asks should extra safety measures be introduced?
Eyewitness accounts detailed the 'shocking' moments of the two crashes that took place between junction 58 and 59 of the A14 between Ipswich and Trimley St Martin.
However, community leaders have urged for patience while police determine the reasons behind the crashes.
Traffic between junction 58 and 59 (Image: Alan Boyle/Everything Felixstowe)
On January 13, a lorry overturned at Trimley St Martin on the A14 that led to the driver passing away.
On January 21, a six-vehicle crash took place on the same stretch of the A14 which eyewitnesses recounted as terrifying.
Amanda Walters was driving along the A14 as the six-vehicle crash took place and opened up about the ordeal.
She said: "I was quite shocked as I had just managed to stop in time and then thought other vehicles behind me might crash into me - but I am thankful I was okay.
"I saw the car in front of me crash into the pile-up and witnessed the rear of it fly up into the air."
Ms Walters reported that the cars were all badly damaged amid the pile-up on the A14.
East Suffolk Councillor Lee Reeves opened up on the topic (Image: Contributed)
The January 13 incident was the eighth fatal crash in the last five years on the A14 near Ipswich.
East Suffolk councillor Lee Reeves said: "On the evening of the fatal accident I was passing Ipswich bound very shortly after the crash occurred when only one police car was present.
"It is very unusual for such an incident on the outside lane on a straight part of the A14 - naturally my thoughts are with the driver’s family and friends.
"Until the facts are established by the police I see no benefit in speculating whether speed reductions or junction changes need to be considered."
A National Highways spokesperson said: “Safety is our number one priority, and our roads are amongst the safest in the world. We’re doing everything in our control to make sure our roads are even safer. Every road death is a tragedy, and every serious injury is a changed life.
“The A14 provides a vital road transport corridor between the North, the Midlands and the East of England of local, regional, national and international significance carrying around 85,000 vehicles per day.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we continue to work with partners, organisations and road users to help us collectively achieve this ambition.”
What do you think needs to be done? Speed limit changes or something more drastic? Let us know in the comments.
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