Concerns over ‘black spot’ on Heacham’s A149 and Lamsey Lane junction - with improvements in the pipeline

Concerns have been raised over a junction which has seen many crashes over the years - with a councillor labelling it a “black spot”.

The A149 and Lamsey Lane junction at Heacham is a concern to both villagers and Norfolk County Council after becoming a recurring spot for collisions - including one as recent as Tuesday.

Police were called to a crash involving two vehicles this week. Emergency services, including paramedics and fire crews, attended the scene and released the vehicle occupants using hydraulic rescue equipment.

Cllr Paul Rawlinson, the chairman of Heacham Parish Council, says something needs to be done before it becomes “worse”.

Cllr Rawlinson, however, does not believe it is the junction itself that is the problem - he says it is the high volume of traffic.

“Going into Lamsey Lane is not a problem. Coming out is a problem, not because of the junction but simply because of the amount of traffic on the road,” he told the Lynn News.

“People end up waiting a long time and then take risks and are pulling out.

“Therefore, the junction itself needs something doing to it to make it more safe and reduce drivers taking risks, because they get frustrated for having to wait for such a long time.”

With the A149 which bypasses Lamsey Lane being “almost the only road in and out to the Norfolk coast,” Cllr Rawlinson said it means the junction has a significant amount of use, particularly at this time of year when the weather is good.

“While the sun is shining, it will get busier, and there will be almost non-stop traffic,” he added.

Cllr Rawlinson acknowledged that the dangers of the junction are often discussed on social media, and said if something is not done, “we will see more accidents as traffic is only getting heavier and not lighter”.

Meanwhile, Norfolk County Council is aware of the history at this location and is currently looking at ways to improve safety for road users.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are currently developing proposals which will improve safety for all traffic using the junction.

“These proposals are due to be published for public consultation later this spring.”

While these plans are in the pipeline, Cllr Rawlinson said improvements to the road could potentially be put on the “backburner” due to devolution - which will see existing councils in Norfolk abolished - being on the horizon.

He is “very pleased” with plans to make improvements, but said it will be a “pity” if they fall through or are delayed.

He added: “We don’t know when it is going to happen and if it will happen. There has been lots of discussion over the years about the junction, but we do think we are closer to it this time.

“If this does go ahead, we will be over the moon with it because it is really needed. It is a high action black spot.”