A PENSIONER’S death at an accident blackspot has reignited calls for extra road safety measures.

A man, thought to be in his 70s, died today after he was involved in a two-vehicle smash on the A181, near Wheatley Hill, County Durham.

The pensioner, whose identity has not been officially released, but who is from Wingate, was travelling west on the A181 and was trying to turn right, across oncoming traffic, into a Jet petrol station when the Toyota car he was driving collided with a Peugeot 406 travelling in the opposite direction.

He died from his injuries a short time later.

The Peugeot driver, a 46- year-old man from Chilton, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

The crash happened at about 9.50am. An investigation has been launched and police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

A spokeswoman for the Jet garage said: “The firm offers its condolences to the man’s family.”

County councillor Morris Nicholls said there had been several crashes in that area over recent years and local people had long wanted the T-junction replaced with a roundabout.

“You have to be very careful when you’re turning in because there are two turnings within about 50 metres.

“Residents have been in contact with me about a roundabout and I think it might be a good idea. I don’t think we would ever get traffic lights, but a roundabout might be a solution,” Coun Nicholls said.

There have been about 20 accidents recorded on the stretch of road in the past six years, including one involving a school bus.

Durham County Council carried out some work in the area in April 2010, including creating a more clearly defined turning area for drivers turning into the Jet garage.

A stretch of the A181 was closed for several hours following the incident, reopening shortly before 2.30pm.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-375-2159.