Nearly 2,000 people have signed a petition demanding a notorious stretch of Norfolk road be made into a dual carriageway to prevent further accidents. Petition on the Downing Street website

Nearly 2,000 people have signed a petition demanding a notorious stretch of Norfolk road be made into a dual carriageway to prevent further accidents.

So far 1,858 names have been added to an on-line petition on a No 10 Downing Street website asking that eight miles of the Acle Straight, between Yarmouth and Norwich, be widened to make it safer for motorists.

In the last 10 years eight people have died in crashes and many other drivers have had lucky escapes after their cars ploughed off the A47 and ended up in water filled dykes. Many accidents occur while vehicles are overtaking.

Steven Dix, of Gorleston, who launched the petition in March, said: “The Acle Straight is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the UK. There are numerous accidents every year as it is only a single lane and has been ever since it was built for stagecoaches.”

Mr Dix also believes the road should be dualled because of the construction of the outer harbour project in Yarmouth, which would generate more traffic in the region.

In July 2006 the Highways Agency announced a raft of safety measures would be implemented on the Acle Straight, including resurfacing work, improving signage and installing junction bollards.

But earlier this year Rosie Winterton, transport minister, ruled out dualling the road but said some dykes may be relocated further away from the road.

Petition on the Downing Street website