A woman who died in a collision on the A26 at Barming has been named as 48-year-old Deborah Lawson from Gravesend.

A inquest is expected to be held on Wednesday October 28, following a post mortem on Tuesday October 27.

The fatal collision on Friday October 23 has prompted calls from campaigners for more safety measures on the notorious stretch of road near Maidstone.

Alan Hayes, of the Safer Roads for Teston Campaign, said the fatal collision on the A26 between Teston and Barming showed further safety measures were desperately needed.

Mr Hayes, who lost his brother-in-law, Andrew Tate, in a crash on the South Lodge Bend in January 2005, said: “It’s very sad that there’s been a serious accident.

“We’ve campaigned to lower the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on part of the Tonbridge Road, from Teston to South Lodge Bend, but we’re also campaigning to push that speed limit all the way through to Barming.

“Tragically this is the first really bad accident we’ve had since the changes were brought in, but it’s outside the area our work has had an effect on.

“It shows how the important the work is.

“It should be 40mph all the way. We’re asking that the barrier around the corner is extended and we’re pushing for speed cameras on the bend.
“We desperately need more traffic calming. The road is busy and will get busier.”

The accident is the latest on the road – labelled a “death trap” by residents – which in recent years has claimed the lives of 60-year-old Brian Robinson, teenager Perri McIlwraith, 80-year-old Joyce Denning and 49-year-old Mr Tate.

On Thursday the A26 was closed in Barming and at the junction with Teston Bridge and drivers were advised to avoid the area.

Another man suffered an ankle injury in the collision.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to phone Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.