A fatal motorcycle crash on the A433 Tetbury Road near Cirencester has reignited urgent calls for safety improvements on a notorious accident blackspot.
On Sunday, May 17, the eastbound and westbound lanes of the A433 were closed for over 10 hours following a single-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a man in his 60s. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the aftermath, Kemble and Ewen Parish Council chairman Cllr George Collins expressed deep concern over the recurring dangers along this stretch of road. “We are shocked and saddened by yet another death near the Thames Head Inn,” Collins said. “This section of the A433 includes two hazardous crossroads and a narrow bridge at Thameshead, all contributing factors to multiple serious accidents over recent years.”
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Despite numerous appeals from local residents and the Parish Council for intervention, there has been minimal progress from Gloucester Highways. Collins emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures, stating, “Action is essential to prevent further tragedies along this route.”
The A433’s reputation as a perilous road extends beyond this most recent incident. In October 2024, motorcyclist Tony Stepp lost his life in a collision involving his Honda motorcycle and an Audi A4 on this same road. Moreover, in September 2017, a 19-year-old student was fatally struck by a car here during the early hours.
Gloucestershire Police are actively seeking witnesses to Sunday’s fatal crash or anyone who may have dashcam footage related to the incident. Those with information are encouraged to contact police via an online form, referencing occurrence number 53260036414.