'Something needs to be done' - urgent review of Laceby parking restrictions called for after crash

A car crash in Laceby has prompted calls for an urgent review of parking restrictions - after previous resident concerns of an "accident waiting to happen" resulted in no change.

More than 120 people signed a petition last year about parking issues focused on Grimsby Road, Grange Avenue, George Whitgift Close and Trevor Close, in Laceby. No action beyond continued monitoring was taken.

On Wednesday, March 12, shortly after 2pm, a vehicle - reportedly being driven by a learner driver - collided with front garden walls in Grimsby Road, Laceby, close to the junction with Grange Avenue. Police and ambulance were called. Fortunately, no-one suffered any injuries.

The front garden wall of Ros Horsley's mother was one of those affected by the crash. Ms Horsley was a firm supporter of the petition last year, and has raised the crash with the council, Laceby Village Council, and Wolds Ward councillors.

Cllr David Hasthorpe (Conservative - Wolds) has called for an urgent review. He told Grimsby Live: "I requested an urgent review of the parking restrictions in support of residents of the village. Something needs to be done quickly, so as to avoid any recurrence of incidents caused by the parking and inconsiderate drivers in the area. I fully support Mrs Horsley's campaign for a clear view on this bend." The village council's chair spoke in favour of extended restrictions by the junction of Grange Avenue and Grimsby Road last year, too.

Ms Horsley told Grimsby Live: "I contacted the portfolio holder and figures in North East Lincolnshire Council on Thursday [March 13], asking them to revisit as a matter of urgency."

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In her email to the council, Ms Horsley raises her warning from speaking at a meeting in June 2024: "I stated at that meeting 'Near Misses' were a daily occurrence and stressed 'it was an accident waiting to happen', unfortunately yesterday that accident did happen."

Council officers and independent consultants recommended at the meeting no changes to parking restrictions in the area, and to monitor for 12 months. Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Conservative - Immingham), the portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, was not entirely happy with the way case had been handled, and insisted on monthly monitoring updates. He also stated at the June meeting: "I do agree there's a problem still because I've been out there and looked at it."

"At the end of the day, this is as a result of no action being taken even though they were warned," Ms Horsley said to the LDRS. She wants double yellow lines to be considered for both sides of Grimsby Road, near the Grange Avenue junction. However, she would oppose restrictions on both sides all the way down Grimsby Road, as it may create a "speed trap". Her priority is an extension of the double yellow lines beyond Grange Avenue, to "give better visibility".

She was visiting her mum when the crash occurred. Her mum "had a shock" seeing the crash happen. "Next time, we might not be so lucky," she reflected on the lack of injuries for anyone involved in the crash, and it being an hour before school pick-up traffic.

The council spokesperson said: "There are historical issues with the garage at the end of Grimsby Road and a TTRO [Temporary Traffic Regulation Order] was delivered with additional yellow lines implemented alongside a no loading/unloading restriction on the highway within the vicinity of the garage to address residents’ concerns about parking and road safety."

After this, the petition was received. "In response, officers have carried out a series of site visits to monitor the area. To date these observations have not identified any ongoing traffic and road safety matters that were not already considered in response to the resident’s petition, and as such the reference to not make any further changes to parking and waiting restrictions at this junction remains the recommendation."

Officers contacted Humberside Police for information after last week's collision. "The police responded and informed us that the incident involved a learner driver and was down to their inexperience. No concerns have been raised in relation to the highway at this point."