MP writes to Roads Minister calling for urgent safety improvements after another tragic accident on the A590

This afternoon, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has written to the Minister for Roads, Guy Opperman, asking for vital safety improvements to the Gilpin Bridge section of the A590 following another tragic accident.

On Tuesday, a man in his 20s from Leicestershire sadly died after a two car collision on the A590 near Levens.

This is sadly the latest tragic accident to happen on that stretch of road in recent years:

• In August 2021, an 80-year-old cyclist died in a collision with a van
• Again in August 2021, four people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, including a 15 year old boy, following a collision between a car and cement lorry
• In April 2022,  a 70-year-old pedestrian died after being hit by a car
• In December 2022, an 82-year-old driver died following a crash between two cars
• In June 2023,  a driver was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash between two cars

In his letter to Mr Opperman, Tim pressed the minister to bring forward plans to build a roundabout at the Gilpin Bridge junction

Tim said: “It is abundantly clear that safety improvements are urgently needed if we are to prevent future tragic accidents happening on this dangerous stretch of road.

“One solution is to build a roundabout to slow traffic down and make it safer for vehicles at the Gilpin Bridge junction.

“When I met with National Highways before Christmas to make the case for this, they said that ultimately any decision would be down to you.

“Therefore, please will you commit your department to take forward this idea so we can make this vital road safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”