MP Helen Whately suffers broken ankle after crash on A252 near Chilham dubbed one of Britain’s most dangerous roads
21:32, 05 September 2023
updated: 15:11, 04 October 2023
An MP has suffered a broken ankle after a crash on a country road dubbed one of the most dangerous in the UK.
Helen Whately confirmed she was involved in the “nasty road accident” on the A252.
Mrs Whately was travelling with her children on the route which runs between Chilham and Charing on Sunday morning.
The Faversham and Mid-Kent MP praised paramedics and passers-by who attended the scene in the aftermath of the incident.
The notorious stretch of road has been subject to a series of upgrades as part of a £2.1 million package by Kent County Council which secured funding from the government.
In 2017, the accident blackspot was ranked among the top 50 most dangerous A-roads in the entire country putting it in line for the cash.
Improvements included crash barriers, improved road markings and rumble strips on the edge of the road.
Speed limits were also reduced from 60mph to 50mph along parts of the rural link.
Mrs Whately said in a statement this evening: “You may have heard that I was in a nasty road accident early on Sunday morning on the A252.
“I want to sincerely thank the emergency services who were so professional and incredibly kind to me and my daughters.
“It was only on Friday that visited the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and less than 48 hours later they were right there at our side.
“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who came to help in the minutes after the accident. It made such a difference at a horrible time.
“The kindness of friends and strangers has been so moving and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Luckily both my daughters are okay and my broken ankle should mend soon. I hope the driver of the other vehicle makes the best possible recovery.
“Over the next few weeks some of my surgeries and meetings may need to move online, other than that I will be doing ministerial and constituency work as normal. Please contact me as usual if you would like my help.”
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
‘This rat-run bridge isn’t wide enough - someone will be killed soon’
- 2
Boy, 16, found safe after going missing nine days ago
2 - 3
Only shop in village to shut this week as ‘devastated’ couple leave Kent
16 - 4
A-road shut in both directions after water main bursts
- 5
Mum joined teen son in smashing up ex’s family home and car