HORSEFAIR TRAFFIC CLAIMS ITS FIRST ROAD ACCIDENT

Posted: June 2, 2011

Police are reminding drivers to take extra care on the roads as Cumbria gets busy with people going to the Appleby horsefair.

There was a three-vehicle crash on the A66 yesterday afternoon, when two vans driving behind a horse-drawn vehicle collided with an HGV.

They escaped with whiplash injuries.

Those involved included a Ford transit van driven by a 21 yr old man from Hartlepool, a white Mercedes van driven by a 31 yr old man from North Yorkshire, and a HGV driven by a 50 yr old man from Kirkby Stephen on the A66 at Brough. The HGV driver suffered whiplash injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution. A driver and passenger from a van also suffered minor whiplash injuries.

The first lane of the A66 was closed while police recovered the vehicles and the road was blocked for around 3 hours.

Appleby Horse Fair starts today and as lots of visitors are expected to travel to the area, police are re-appealing to road users to take on board the following advice in a bid to avoid further collisions in the area:

Be aware of vehicles towing caravans and slow horse-drawn vehicles – horses can be easily spooked. Avoid revving your engine and turn your music down. Give horses plenty of room and pass them carefully.

You never know what is around the next corner so slow down and take extra care.

Be aware of pedestrians. Pedestrians should only use designated crossing areas for their own safety and wear high visibility clothing where possible.

Allow more time for your journey at peak times, and be patient and courteous if you are delayed.

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