Campaigners are calling for action after another death on a notorious stretch of road near Maidstone.

A 48-year-old woman from Gravesend was confirmed dead by police after the collision between a silver Peugeot and a Mondeo at about 9.30am today.

Fire crews had been sent to help free the woman, who had been reported trapped in her car.

A man also suffered a fractured ankle and was taken to Maidstone Hospital.

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.

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