A community in Eltham fear a family could “one day be killed” if Greenwich Council does not impose stricter road restrictions onto the crash-riddled Rochester Way.
Carl Fleming and Julie Benstead, who have both lived in Rochester Way for more than 20 years each, said it is a “miracle” that crashes are not happening every day.
The pair have called for Greenwich Council to “take some responsibility” and to install speed cameras and impose speed limits in Rochester Way.
The News Shopper has reported on five different crashes in Rochester Way between March and October this year – with one resulting in a fatality.
A spokesperson for the council said no “specific issues” have been identified that may have contributed to the incidents this year.
Carl, 56, said the majority of the crashes are caused by “inconsiderate” drivers who are speeding on the road.
Carl told the News Shopper: “It's a 30 mph road and I'm not exaggerating when I know some people are coming up here at about 80mph.
“It’s honestly a death trap for the people living here.
“I do fear for my family and other families on this road when someone could be badly hurt or eventually killed.”
In August 2020, a petition calling on Greenwich Council to consider barriers for pedestrians’ safety and the installation of speed cameras in Rochester Way was launched.
There has been an average of one to two major crashes a month since October 2019 which has resulted in a fatality, according to the petition.
Julie said she fears for the safety of children at a nearby school in Rochester Way.
The 51-year-old explained that speed cameras or a sign that shows the drivers’ speed need to be installed outside the school.
Julie added: “These simple things need to be done so we stop worrying about the kids.
“I want to be able to walk on the pavement without worrying about mine, my family, or the safety of the school kids.
“It’s really unfair that we’re living in fear, and it shouldn’t be like that.”
MP for Eltham, Clive Efford said after the fatality on Rochester Way, he raised “urgent” concerns with TfL, Metropolitan Police, and Greenwich Council.
Clive said he supported residents after they called for speed cameras to be installed on the road.
The decision for enforcing speeding limits is also decided by the Metropolitan Police, according to Greenwich Council spokesperson.
Following the launch of the petition in 2020, a speed limit of 30mph was introduced on between Crookston Road and Riefield Road near Rochester Way.
Carl said that it was “pointless” for Greenwich Council to install speed cameras between Crookston Road and Riefield Road.
He explained: “The majority of the incidents do not happen on that part of the road.
“It tends to happen from where the road narrows from Welling Way.
“That’s where most of the cars overturn and end up on their roof”
- READ MORE: Motorcyclist injured after crash in Eltham
Greenwich Council is now assessing all potential road safety schemes across the borough to put into effect next year.
The council is working "closely" with the police and if an investigation indicates that immediate changes to the road are needed then it will make "every effort" to fund them.
Julie said that Rochester Way is a “neglected part of Eltham” and that their voices are not “being heard” by Greenwich Council.
She added: “It’s a horrible feeling to know that you’re not valued and that’s how we feel as a community.
“If we could please have our voices heard by the council and if they can just acknowledge us.
“We’re not asking for much.”
Carl is now considering leaving his home in Rochester Way due to the crashes happening on the road.
He said: “Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons I am considering moving away from Rochester Way.
“I thought there would be some change imposed over the years by the council for our safety.
"It's quite sad that I'm considering this after living on this road for more than 20 years, but I have to put my family first."
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