PEOPLE are calling for a speed limit reduction on a “dangerous” stretch of road following a fatal crash.

It comes after 38-year-old man died after crashing into a tree on the B2116 Keymer Road in Hassocks on October 20.

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, locals are calling for the speed limit to be reduced from the national speed limit to 30pmh.

Hassocks resident Lucy Bennett, who is heading the plea, says she recalls six major accidents at the Beacon Hurst junction of the road in the last 20 years.

“There have been many accidents over the years due to the speed of cars entering the village and this recent fatality only highlights the desperate need for action,” she said.

Alongside the speed limit reduction, the group is also calling for traffic calming measures, better signage and upgraded pavements.

“As the mother of two children who use this stretch of road daily, I cannot stress enough how important this is to me and all the community around Beacon Hurst,” Lucy added.

“This fatality must really be the last.”

The Argus: A 38-year-old man died after crashing into a tree on the B2116 Keymer Road in Hassocks on October 20 A 38-year-old man died after crashing into a tree on the B2116 Keymer Road in Hassocks on October 20

Lucy said speeding is a frequent issue in the area, with cars often “taking my breath away” when driving past.

“Even getting from Beacon Hurst to that pavement feels like dodging a bullet,” she said.

“Cars literally bomb it from Ditchling only putting on their breaks once they’ve turned the bend into Keymer, often leaving us running for our lives.”

Lucy says due to the crash site location on the border between Ditchling and Keymer, previous attempts to reduce the speed limit have failed due to a lack of collaborative efforts between both local councils.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said while they are currently awaiting the findings of the police investigation, any requests for a speed limit reduction will need to be directed to East Sussex County Council.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died,” he said.

“It would not be right for us to comment further at this time.”

East Sussex County Council said the road in question “does not meet the criteria for such a measure at present”.

“With more than 2,000 miles of road in the county it is vital that we follow the evidence and base any decisions on safety records and data,” a council spokeswoman said.

“We have a very limited budget for road safety measures, but we are always happy to discuss concerns and assess whether further measures are appropriate.”

The group of residents are also calling for a change to the “totally inadequate” road signage.

“The 30mph sign should be set further back down the road in order to give more notice to drivers to adjust their speed,” one resident said.

Another added: “Exiting Keymer, the end of restriction sign is not widely understood, and many drivers are well in excess of speed limits by the time they meet the blind curve.

“From Ditchling, the 30mph sign is regularly blocked by foliage and not visible until you are too close to the blind curve.”

The group also suggests the addition of a safe pedestrian pavement on the Keymer stretch to ensure the safety of children walking between Hassocks and Ditchling to school.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which involved a white Audi A1 S Line.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as a 38-year-old man from East Grinstead.

“Despite the best efforts of paramedics who commenced CPR, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene,” a police spokesman said.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured any relative dash cam footage, is urged to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting Operation Goldfish.