A thorough safety review is underway following a fatal motorcycle crash on the A433 Tetbury Road in the Cotswolds. The tragic accident, which occurred last weekend near the Thames Head Inn pub, claimed the life of a man in his 60s from Stroud. The rider, traveling on his Honda NC750X, was pronounced dead at the scene after a single-vehicle collision.
Gloucestershire County Council has extended its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing road safety. Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He emphasized the council’s ongoing efforts to address safety concerns on this hazardous stretch of the A433.
“In 2023, we implemented improved signage and road markings at three junctions near Kemble on the A433,” Cllr Whyborn explained. “Currently, we are carefully examining this collision alongside the overall safety record of this particular stretch.”
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The council is actively developing safety initiatives targeting rural roads with high collision rates, including plans for reduced speed limits and the installation of safety cameras on rural A-roads. A particular focus will be placed on strategies to curb the disproportionately high number of fatal motorcycle accidents involving men.
The call for action was echoed by the chairman of Kemble and Ewen Parish Council, who described the stretch of road as ‘dangerous’ and urged prompt safety improvements.
This part of the A433 is known for a history of serious accidents. Notably, just 18 months ago in October 2024, motorcyclist Tony Stepp, aged in his 50s from South Cerney, lost his life in a collision involving his Honda motorbike and an Audi A4 on the same road.
The council’s ongoing review and forthcoming safety measures aim to prevent further tragedies and make the A433 safer for all road users.