‘The A418 needs to be made safer in Wing or serious accident could happen’

Villagers claim that there are many hazards caused by the road, as drivers frequently speed despite its two bends, with the fast vehicles causing house windows to rattle.

Residents also claim that walking along the pavement is dangerous for schoolchildren, because as well as the speeding cars, larger vehicles have been known to mount pavements and cause damage.

Resident Liz Inglis, 61, who lives on the A418, told the LBO that her wall had been damaged recently.

She said: “The first we heard about it was when this guy came to the door. He was driving a big articulated lorry and he had been forced up onto the pavement because there was an oncoming large load – a static home was being transported.

“The driver of the lorry was very sorry and he came to give his insurance details, so we will be able to get it rebuilt.

“But it is the second time that it’s happened. The first time someone cracked it and they didn’t stop.”

The damage to the wall was caused on October 20, while the first incident happened eight years ago.

One of Liz’s neighbours also experienced a similar problem around three years ago.

Liz added: “As the A418 passes through Wing it becomes narrow and encounters two very sharp bends.

“Despite this, traffic still travels through the village at a fast speed, with little regard to local pedestrians walking along or trying to cross the main road.

“It is a rarity if a car stops to allow residents to turn into their houses - they simply overtake - even in the face of one of these bends.

“Walking along the pavement is scary at times, especially as an adult walking with children.”

Liz would like to see the speed limit reduced from 30mph to 20mph and signs put up to encourage motorists to ‘drive carefully’ because they have entered a village.

However, it has been claimed that local councils or councillors have informed residents that because the A418 is an A road nothing can be done.

She also claimed that the new freight zone planned for certain villages in the area could cause even more traffic in Wing, and has concerns that the new multi-use gym area (MUGA) planned for the recreation ground will have no safe crossing at one end (where there is an acute bend). The other entrance will be close to a pedestrian crossing. She hopes that Buckinghamshire Council can install a second crossing.

A Transport for Buckinghamshire spokesperson, said: “Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) takes concerns regarding road safety seriously, and prioritises funding to those sections of road with the worst injury collision statistics. Residents are able to approach the new local Community Boards, which have been running since July this year, and request a budget to tackle issues of most concern.

“Currently, Wing is subject to a 30 mph speed limit, which is appropriate for that class and hierarchy of road, and vehicles exceeding the limit would be a matter for Thames Valley Police. It is also not anticipated that the ‘Freight Zone’ will have any impact on the village of Wing.”