GREATER police action and more patrols will be used to crackdown on speeding drivers and overloaded vehicles using a road in Lacock which is putting people’s lives at risk.

Police believe it is only a matter of time until a serious accident occurs along Bowden Hill as residents walking along the side of the road – which has no footpath – are constantly put in danger due to drivers breaking the speed limit.

There are also concerns that the 7.5tonne weight limit for the road, which runs from the centre of Lacock towards Calne, is being breached destroying the surface of the road and putting pedestrians in danger.

PC Les Fletcher said: “This road is being abused by vehicles over 7.5tonnes and it’s come to our attention that it’s been going on for many years.

“We understand there are farmers that need access but there are also those vehicles who are using it as a cut-through.

“We’re planning to have more patrols and the signage is being looked at.

“It’s a matter of time before something serious happens because of those vehicles travelling down here and they are coming down too fast.

“To vehicles who speed on this road stop doing it and slow down and those who are breaking the weight limit, find another route where you’re allowed to go.

“It might put five minutes on your trip but it might save a life.”

More patrols will now take place along the road and punishments including fines and points on driver’s licenses will be served if they are caught breaking the speed or weight limit on Bowden Hill.

“I just think people need to obey the speed limit, if only they obeyed the limit it would be so much better,” said Owen Collins, a resident along the road for 23 years.

“At one time it used to be a pleasure to walk down to the village but it’s gone from being unpleasant to positively dangerous. This has become the Chippenham bypass.”

Winnie Prewett, a resident along the road, said: “I’m no longer able to go out for a walk because there’s nowhere to run.”