AN ELDERLY woman has died crossing Lodge Hill, Abingdon.

The 81-year-old pedestrian was killed near a bus stop after a collision with a Ford Focus shortly after 5pm on Wednesday.

It happened on an unlit stretch of the A4183 road towards the A34 northbound turn-off near Lodge Hill.

The ambulance service was called but paramedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Police closed the road towards Lodge Hill roundabout in both directions for three hours.

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Lucy Billen said an investigation into the crash was ongoing.

Yesterday a sign appealing for witnesses was put up near the scene.

Ms Billen added that the woman’s family had been informed, but released no further details about her.

She said that no arrests had been made in connection with the collision and police would not comment on whether spped or foggy conditions contributed to the accident.

Judith Baker, 77, who lives on Sunningwell Road and walks along the stretch regularly, said: “I came back this way from Abingdon at about 6.30pm, and it was a sea of flashing lights.

“You’ve got to keep your wits about you when crossing the road, the cars go very fast and it’s very poor visibility.”

She added: “I had an accident in my car on this road a few years back. Luckily I was okay but the car was a write-off.”

Vale of White Horse district councillor for Abingdon Peach Croft Pat Lonergan said: “The road is very wide, making it hard for pedestrians to cross the road safely.

“I’m part of a rambling society and we have issues crossing the road.”

Rosemary Green, 82, of Lodge HIll, said: “It’s tragic that this has happened. We’re very grateful for the bus stop, but it is a very busy road and can get very dark.’’ Oxfordshire county councillor for Kennington and Radley Bob Johnston said: “The speed limit was reduced from unrestricted to 50mph a number of years ago.

“What I would say is, I was on the roads that night and it was filthy weather; wet, foggy and appalling visibility.”

The stretch of road has seen various crashes in past years. In January 2010, a woman was taken to hospital after being involved in a two-car collision. In January 1999, Zena Hathaway died after a head-on crash in Lodge Hill.

Her son Lloyd suffered permanent damage to his sight.


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