Woman's road safety fears after Hempton crash

Imogen Snowling, 20, from Attleborough, was involved in the crash on September 4 on Dereham Road, Hempton, near Fakenham. The junction is known as an accident blackspot and there are plans to build a roundabout there.

Miss Snowling and a friend in the passenger seat were hit side-on at 60mph after failing to see the sign and road markings for the junction due to what she said was poor visibility.

Miss Snowling's car flipped, and while her friend managed to escape the vehicle, she was trapped for 20 minutes as the engine caught fire.  

Imogen Snowling from Attleborough, was involved in a road traffic collision on September 4 on Dereham Road, Hempton, near Fakenham (Image: Imogen Snowling)Fire crews arrived quickly and pulled her out of the wreckage, but Miss Snowling spent the night in hospital suffering from broken ribs, bruising, cuts on her arms and legs.

She was left in bed for three weeks following the incident.

Miss Snowling said she had also needed physio and mental therapy following the crash.

Imogen Snowling from Attleborough, was involved in a road traffic collision on September 4 on Dereham Road, Hempton, near Fakenham (Image: Imogen Snowling)Miss Snowling has launched a liability claim with Norfolk County Council, as she says that she missed the junction because the road markings had faded and signs were obscured.

She said: “After my crash, I completed some research on the road and saw that so many people have had crashes there and I feel it's been neglected by the council.

“I emailed [district and county councillor] Tom FitzPatrick regarding my incident who pointed me in the direction of the public liability claim.

"He said he didn’t have any view on the accident or liability, and would not be contacting me again because it is a legal issue.

Imogen Snowling was travelling from Dereham towards Fakenham via the B1146 when she was involved in the road traffic collision on September 4 on Dereham Road, Hempton, near Fakenham (Image: Google Maps)

“I just feel like he says online about how he cares but was not there for me.

“I was told having a strong car saved my life, which is why I feel so strongly, as I should have died.”

Mr FitzPatrick said: “I am sorry to hear about Miss Snowling’s accident. I have been campaigning for safety measures on that road for years and I will continue to do so.

"Work on the roundabout to replace the junction is due to begin in early 2024.

County councillor Tom FitzPatrick at the Hempton crossroads “When Miss Snowling contacted me, I advised her on how to make a public liability claim, as I am not personally liable for her accident.

"As that claim is in progress, I cannot comment further.”

The county council responded to Miss Snowling's claim, and said the road had passed an inspection on August 22. The council said the junction was inspected at six-week intervals.

Imogen Snowling's car following the road traffic collision on September 4 on Dereham Road, Hempton, near Fakenham (Image: Imogen Snowling)A council spokesman said: “We take every public liability claim seriously and investigate the circumstances of the incidents fully.

"In this case, our investigation found that our highways team conducted a routine inspection of the junction of Dereham Road and Hempton Green Road two weeks before the accident and found all signage, including both roadside signs and the road markings, to be clear and legible.

"That said, if Miss Snowling has additional evidence about the circumstances of the accident that she wishes to share with us, we would welcome the additional information and invite Miss Snowling to send them through to us.

“Norfolk County Council remain committed to improving our road network, and plans are already in place for a roundabout to be installed at this junction, with work due to begin in Q2 2024.”