Driver hurt in yet another A1 crash

Nov 28 2009 The Journal

The smash came within 48 hours of North Northumberland coroner Tony Brown branding the A1 from Morpeth to Berwick as the “weakest link” in the road between London and Edinburgh because of its dangerous mixture of single and dual carriageway sections.

He was speaking at an inquest on drivers Ian Thompson, 51, and David Clarkson, 42, who were killed when their vehicles collided head-on on the single carriageway section of the A1 Felton bypass in February.

Mr Brown also recently presided over the an inquest in to the death of Amble fisherman Alan Gair, 37, who died in October last year when his car was in collision with a lorry on a single carriageway stretch of the A1 at Mousen Bends near Belford.

He said: “I sincerely hope that something substantial will be done to upgrade the A1 trunk road to recognise the safety hazard it currently presents.”

Police confirmed an investigation had been launched.

A spokesperson for the GNAA last night said: “We were called to a serious road accident on the A1 South of Alnwick yesterday morning, where a doctor was required at the scene. This is another example of why the Great North Air Ambulance is aiming to secure its future through buying our own aircraft with the help of the Sunday Sun’s Air Angel’s campaign in The Journal’s sister paper.”

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call police on 0345 604-3043. To give to the Great North Air Ambulance and Sunday Sun Air Angels campaign call (01325) 487263, or visit www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk.