Black Dog Crossroads crash leaves mother 'scared to drive'

On August 14 Kimberley Brown and her husband were travelling to Potterne along the A360 Lavington Road when they smashed into another car which had pulled out from the Black Dog Crossroads, on the edge of West Lavington.

The family’s car sustained significant damage in the incident and was subsequently written off.

Recounting her experience, Mrs Brown said: “It was a normal routine drive then a car pulled out and we had no time to react and hit them.

“We were lucky to walk away with our lives intact but psychologically I haven’t wanted to drive since.

The aftermath of the crash at the Black Dog Crossroads on August 14 (Image: Kimberley Brown)

“I’ve got into a car and had panic attacks three or four times so I’m finding it really difficult and as a passenger I freak out when cars come the other way.”

The 36-year-old, who lives in Urchfont, now takes a detour to avoid the junction.

She received £2,000 from insurers but feels this does not represent value for a car “in good condition.”

Studies show the Black Dog Crossroads, which is the subject of fierce local debate, is one of Wiltshire’s most dangerous junctions.

While some campaigners believe traffic lights are the answer, Wiltshire Council plans to realign the junction to improve sight lines.

The aftermath of the crash at the Black Dog Crossroads on August 14 (Image: Kimberley Brown)

This is a policy backed by many parish councillors, including Cllr Dominic Muns, who are also appealing for a reduction in the speed limit.

But Mrs Brown does not think this goes far enough.

She added: “That crossroads has been a bane for a very long time, my cousin was taken off his motorbike along the route too… nobody adheres to the speed limit anyway.

“My concern is it isn’t good enough, people cannot see along Lavington Road so it needs either a mini roundabout or traffic lights to enable people to stop while they exit safely.

“The council needs to listen to the people involved in these crashes.”

The aftermath of the crash at the Black Dog Crossroads on August 14 (Image: Kimberley Brown)

Cabinet member for transport Cllr Caroline Thomas said: “Following discussions with local councillors and the local parish councils, it has been agreed that works to realign the junction will be the most appropriate form of improvement.

“Land purchase negotiations are currently underway to allow delivery of the agreed improvement.

“It is our aim that these works will be undertaken within six months following successful completion of the land acquisition.

“We will continue to monitor the location before and after completion of the improvements to assess the effectiveness.”