Drivers avoid one of UK’s most daring roads with accidents ‘every …
Locals who live close to a notorious stretch of road[1] known as Devil’s Bend have opened up on what it’s like to live nearby with accidents happening “every week”.
The road through Bracmote in Nottinghamshire[2] has been described as dangerous by residents who are calling on drivers to be more careful.
According to the locals, the narrow village streets, which are lined with schools, pubs and cottages, has become a “rat run” for motorists looking to cut out the A52 between Stapleford and Beeston, which often ends in multiple accidents.
One recent accident on May 11 saw a vehicle flip onto its roof.
Once drivers pass the White Lion pub heading away from the A road, they navigate a tight, blind left-hand corner, surrounded by rock, where Town Street turns to Chilwell Lane, which has been dubbed Devil’s Bend.
Dog sanctuary’s oldest pooch named Bruno is desperate for a final forever home[3]
Stephen Cartwright from the White Lion pub says there is a crash almost every week (
Nottingham Post WS)
It is well-known for being a tricky turn to make, with some even choosing to avoid the route altogether, NottinghamshireLive reports[4].
Stephen Cartwright, who works at the White Lion pub in Town Street, said: “It’s [accidents are] all the time. It’s known for accidents here and it’s not a surprise when you hear about it.
“There’s one like every week. I’ve been working here for the past few months and know the area, but that road is really old, I think they have mirrors on the walls but they don’t help. People do speed around here.
“I think people need to be more careful.”
One homeowner on the street added: “The whole road is dangerous.
“People drive far too fast on this road and there’s a young nursery, so people walking down with kids too. I think the council needs to get involved with putting in some kind of camera.
“Devil’s Bend is also a bus route, and people fly down there too fast. It’s a cut-through for everybody and it’s become a rat run.”
The road is said to be always packed with cars, buses and lorries and gets heavily congested between 7.30am and 9am, as well as 3.30pm and 6pm.
Wayne Dykes, 64, described the road as “ridiculous” and the bend as “scary”.
The joiner said: “It needs to be made one way. The amount of traffic on the road is ridiculous, I have a van and getting around that bend is scary.”
Mr Dykes said when the street was temporarily closed in February 2021 it was “bliss and peaceful”.
Resident Tracey Roe, 59, added: “I’ve been here eight years and it’s a lot busier than it used to be.
“It’s busy all day and only really gets quiet at night. I try and avoid driving around Devil’s Bend because it feels dangerous.”
While Christie Garner, 31, said: “It’s annoying because people do speed up the road, people just drive through and honk at cars who have to park on the street [because there are no driveways].”
A Highways manager from Nottinghamshire County Council[5] said: “We understand residents’ concerns about Town Street in Bramcote and have made improvements at the location in the past, including improvements to the road surface which have had a positive impact. There are interactive speed signs on either side of the bend approximately 200m away, along with a sign which indicates the weight restriction.
“As with all speed limits, we rely on road users to drive considerately and appropriately within the limit and to adhere to all weight limit restrictions. Where speeding does occur, it is an enforceable offence and tickets are issued by Nottinghamshire Police[6].”