BETTER safety measures are needed for a “dangerous” stretch of Cotswold road, after two accidents – including a fatal crash – in the space of just three days.

Andrew McKerlie, chairman of Windrush Parish Meeting, said the safety issue had to be taken seriously after a motorcyclist was killed on May 21.

The unnamed 22-year-old from Scotland collided was in collision with a white LDV lorry and a silver Audi A6 estate travelling in the Cheltenham direction on the A40 between the Burford and Northleach roundabouts. The motorcyclist died at the scene.

Two days later, a woman driving a blue Renault Clio collided with smashed into the back of a Volvo lorry at the same spot. Neither driver was injured, although the woman needed to be treated for shock.

Mr McKerlie said the road was notorious for dangerous overtaking, despite faded road markings which prohibit it because of the junction to Windrush “Various people in the community have complained before about that stretch of road,” hesaid. Mr McKerlie “I’ve had bad experiences there, too.”

He said that for drivers heading from the Burford direction towards Northleach and Cheltenham, the road opens up a bit and many drivers use it an an opportunity to overtake.

“People are overtaking even though there are hatched markings on the road. They don’t expect the turning to Windrush,” added Mr McKerlie.

“If you’re driving from Windrush, you could pull out straight into an overtaking car. It’s a dangerous and hidden junction.”

“I don’t know what can be done. Maybe the hatched markings could be repainted.”

There is no suggestion any of the vehicles involved in last week’s crashes were overtaking. Police ask want to speak to anyone who witnessed either crash to contact them on 101.