A recent crash on the A449 near Hawford has re-sparked concern over the safety of the carriageway once dubbed ‘killer road.’

Emergency services were called to the crash early Monday morning to the crash which left one car on its roof. Four men were treated for injuries at the scene, three of which had to be taken to hospital.

This notorious stretch of road has seen at least 35 crashes between Chatley Lane and King’s Hawford School in the last 20 years.

In 2019, a pedestrian was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries after colliding with a car on the road.

55-year-old Anthony Ryder was also killed on the A449 when he was hit by a car in December 2017.

In 2007 Michael Jennings, aged 22, and Billy Hall, aged 19, both from Ombersley died after crashing into a tree near Hawfood Wood.

In 2006, four teenagers were killed when the car they were travelling hit a tree.

Eighteen-year-old Kyle Gadsby, of Valley View, Droitwich, and the driver of the car, Martyn Pickering, also 18, of Little Hill, Droitwich, died after their blue Rover 220 coupe left the A449.

The Spa pair were amongst four teens killed in the tragic accident Stephanie Goodall, aged 16, and 17-year-old Joanne Bibby, both from Worcester, were also in the car and were pronounced dead at the scene along with the driver.

In 2008 speed cameras – situated on the north and southbound carriageways near King’s Hawford School – were put up at a cost of £180,000.

However, residents say that more needs to be done. One said: “We have told Highways and the planning department over and over about this junction and yet they still pass through plans that increase the traffic using it.

"They should be made accountable for any accidents due to the increased traffic at this junction,when it has been made clear by the public that this would result in more accidents and more lost lives.”

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: “According to our records there have been no reported road traffic accidents at the junction with Chatley Lane on the A449 in the past 10 years. The A449 is subject to speed enforcement to improve road safety, with a permanent speed camera in place at the Hawford section. We are working closely with police to further improve road safety on the A449."