Village or country life is often associated with peace, solitude and happiness, but there is one village where residents live in constant fear of death. This village, Anwick in Lincolnshire, England, is home to only a few hundred people, but its idyllic charm is overshadowed by a serious concern. The main road that runs through the village is notorious for vehicles, including cars and lorries, speeding by at high speeds. The danger posed by these speeding vehicles has disrupted the tranquillity of Anwick, causing many residents to consider leaving. The fear of accidents has become so overwhelming that it has robbed the village of the peace typically enjoyed in rural life.
The A153 main road, which cuts through the village of Anwick, had the highest number of speeding incidents in the Lincolnshire district last year. This road has a speed limit of 60 mph (96 kmph) leading up to the village, where it drops to a strict 30 mph (48 kmph), reinforced by a speed camera. However, despite the reduced speed limit and the camera, drivers continue to speed, creating dangerous situations for the village’s residents. Between April 2023 and April 2024, 7,880 speeding violations were recorded on this stretch of road. Yet, locals report that reckless speeding remains rampant, putting their lives at constant risk.
Glyn Lowe and Jane Carter, residents of Anwick for the past 10 years, are among those considering leaving due to the persistent speeding problem. Glyn expressed his frustration, stating, “Drivers slow down for the cameras when they approach, but as soon as they’ve passed, they speed up again.” He added that even crossing the road has become a dangerous task, as many drivers ignore the speed limit entirely. He also criticized the lack of police presence, saying, “It’s shocking how little police oversight there is, given the severity of the issue.” The ongoing speeding problem has made life in the village increasingly unsafe.
Terry Evans, a 76-year-old resident of Anwick for the past 20 years, shared his harrowing experience with speeding in the village. Two years ago, he was struck by a speeding car and had to be hospitalized just before his daughter’s wedding. Recounting the incident, Terry said, “I was crossing the road and saw a car approaching. I assumed it was going under the 30 mph limit, but suddenly it sped up and knocked me onto the road. The car didn’t even stop.” He reported the incident to the police, but no action was taken. Terry added, “I’m not surprised by the speeding statistics. When you walk through the village, you can hear the sound of engines revving up as cars pass the camera.” His experience highlights the ongoing danger residents face due to reckless driving.
Mirella Gray, who moved to Anwick two years ago, immediately noticed the problem of speeding in the village. “Since we moved here, the road has only gotten busier. It’s bad,” she said. Mirella, who drives a school bus for disabled children, expressed her concern over the number of reckless drivers overtaking the bus. “The amount of cars overtaking is horrible,” she added. Crossing the road to go to the local shop is also a challenge, and she believes a crossing would help, although finding the right location is a concern. Comparing it to her previous experience in the city, Mirella said, “They drive like crazy here.” Her family has experienced a few near accidents, and even the bus’s wing mirror has been broken. The issue has made daily life increasingly difficult for her and other residents.
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