A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl whose brother died in a car accident on a notorious rat run has hit out at inaction by authorities to stop further deaths.

Orpington's Shire Lane is now dubbed "Fear Lane" by locals after Kerry Doughty's brother Anthony's life was cut short last November.

Driver Darren Hackett, of Maxwell Gardens, also died when his Escort XR3i hit a tree alongside the 60mph speed limit country lane. Two others were injured.

All four were flung from the car after it spun round several times at high speed. Darren and Anthony, both 18, were dead on arrival at Bromley Hospital.

But Bromley Council say there is no case for further traffic calming measures on the deadly road.

Head of Traffic Engineering Dave Chilver said: "A review took place after these deaths but it was decided no further action was to be taken.

"The government has classified this road as a country lane, legally we cannot enforce a 30mph limit on it."

Rumble strips were put in the trouble spot after 26-year-old Wendy Smith died in the same road in 1990.

Mr Chilver added: "Police did not support a reduction in the speed limit. Without their support we can't do much more."

In a letter to the News Shopper, the upset sister said: "I just wish there was some way to convince people to slow down in their cars because no-one seems to pay attention to us.

"Something should be done before it's too late and someone else loses their life by going down the same road like my brother.

"If this road is left as it is more lives will be lost."

A coroner's report concluded both deaths were accidental, and said Darren was driving at speeds inappropriate to road conditions at the time.

Mr Chilver continued: "In light of these findings it is hard to justify reclassifying the road."

But the Doughty family, of Wellington Road, St Mary Cray, say they will continue to battle for a pavement and humps in the road.

Mother Joanna said: "I accept they were driving badly in the conditions. But we have walked down there to lay flowers and have seen drivers going at frightening speeds.

"I have had to jump in to a hedge to avoid traffic. As things are there is a danger someone else will die if nothing changes.

"There will be more accidents, I just hope they are not fatal."

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