A serious collision involving two vehicles occurred near Rectory Lane Health Centre on Thursday, prompting a swift response from fire and police crews and renewed concerns over road safety in the area.
The crash, described by one witness as a “massive bang”, involved what appeared to be a taxi with an older male driver and a Mercedes carrying several younger men and a woman. The vehicles reportedly suffered front-end damage, suggesting a head-on collision, although both cars were found facing the same direction when emergency services arrived.
I heard a massive bang from inside my house, looked out the back window—about 200 metres away—and could see two cars,” one local resident told reporters. “I honestly don’t understand what’s happened here, but both vehicles were badly damaged. I heard fire engines and police arrive about five minutes later.
Emergency services quickly attended the scene, though no serious injuries have been confirmed at this stage.
Calls for Road Safety Improvements
The crash has reignited long-standing concerns about dangerous driving on Rectory Lane, which local residents describe as a busy and hazardous stretch of road, especially during off-peak hours when fewer vehicles encourage speeding.
“This part of Rectory Lane is dangerous,” the witness added. “It’s the only main road around here and gets busy, but when it’s quiet, people drive like boy racers. There are too many accidents, and children cross the road here. It’s not safe—there’s no zebra crossing or traffic lights except at the top of the road and near Debden Broadway.
Many in the community are now urging local authorities to install better traffic-calming measures, such as pedestrian crossings, speed cameras, or additional traffic lights, to reduce the risk of further collisions.
Investigation Ongoing
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. Witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident are encouraged to come forward to assist with enquiries.
