CONCERNS have been raised over a dangerous junction near Malmesbury, with one claim that it is a “death trap”.

Shocking footage emerged last Wednesday, October 3, when Malmesbury resident Joe von Löthing narrowly avoided a serious crash.

Joe shared dashcam footage on social media as he drove out of Malmesbury on the B4042, just before the Lea turning.

The footage shows how a driver suddenly pulls out in front of Mr von Löthing, forcing him to make a quick manoeuvre at 40mph, avoiding a serious crash by inches.

People were quick to suggest that many drivers ignore the speed limit, and speed calming measures should be introduced.

One said: “People leave Malmesbury and put their foot down.

“It is scary coming out of here at the wrong time of day.”

Another resident posted on Facebook calling for a speed camera near the junction to be introduced to help with speeding cars.

A Malmesbury resident commented: “It’s so important to take the extra time to double and triple check before pulling out of this junction.

“It’s quite hard to see what is coming from the right when you’re here as the hedgerow does block the view somewhat.

“This video highlights too, why it’s a 40mph speed limit along this stretch, although many ignore that.”

One resident, Peter Styles, whose house overlooks the junction has witnessed three crashes since moving in 18 months ago.

Peter said: “There have been two accidents near to the junction, which I am sure is down to speed.

“There was a head on collision and an accident where someone hit a telephone pole.

“Only last week, someone ended up in a ditch next to the junction.

“It’s down to people speeding coming from Malmesbury.

There is also a bus stop near to the junction and no footpath to walk from the Crescent houses, to the bus stop or to get to the road down to the village of Lea.

Peter believes the issue is down to speed and has previously wrote to the council to get the speed limit at the junction reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

“I wrote to Wiltshire Council in April 2017, after the first accident, asking them to reduce the speed limit near the junction,” he said.

“Wiltshire Council came back to me two months later to say it didn’t require a reduction in speed.

“Surely they can put a speed limit of 30mph in just for that stretch of road.

“After the last accident last week, I’m actually thinking of going back to the council to raise the issues again.

“A serious accident it going to happen sooner or later sadly.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Council said: “ Issues such as this are best raised and discussed at the area board’s community area transport group, so we’d encourage people to do this is they haven’t already done so.”

Lea and Cleverton parish council were also contacted for a comment.