Speed limit on Eriswell Road to be reduced

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Beginning this summer, the 60 mph section of Eriswell Road is anticipated to be reduced to 40 mph. This is the result of a two-year joint effort between Royal Air Force Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and the Suffolk county council to decrease the number of traffic related accidents that occur on the road annually.

"This is an example of the strong relationship between RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall and local county leaders, which has spanned many years," said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "We've had great support from the Beck Row Parish Council, our RAF station commanders and a strong initiative from each base's respective safety teams to achieve success."

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 60 percent of traffic related deaths happen on rural roads similar to Eriswell. By simply reducing the speed by 20 mph, it could possibly decrease the number of traffic fatalities by at least 75 percent.

“This one-mile of stretch of road between RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath has been historically dangerous and the site of many close calls and tragic accidents,” said Col. Thomas Torkelson, 100th Air Refueling wing commander. “Both bases suffer an average of one major accident a month on Eriswell Road. Thankfully, this positive change has been achieved without the loss of life and I am confident this speed limit reduction will save lives.”

There have been 23 collisions involving Airmen and dependents from both RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall between 2012 and 2014. Eight of which involved Liberty Airmen.

With the speed reduction projected to take effect as early as June, Airmen and their families are reminded to re-focus on safe driving practices, such as making plenty of time to get to their destination, maintaining a safe speed for the road conditions and to decrease speed on Eriswell Road to become accustomed to the coming change.