A DESPERATE family is pleading for the speed limit at an accident hotspot to be lowered in the wake of yet another crash.

A silver Ford Fiesta lost control on Runwell Road, Wickford, and smashed through a fence and gate before landing in the Pinnock’s front garden.

Plants, wheelie bins, and lights were all destroyed.

Brian Pinnock, 61, wife Alison, 48, and their teenage children, have now witnessed 18 accidents outside their house in less than two years.

Mrs Pinnock said: “We’re fed up with it. It’s happened to many times, and I just can't cope with it any more.

“It’s going to give me a mental breakdown.”

The family’s house is on the bend just before the Toby Carvery restaurant, which they think could be part of the reason for so many crashes.

The family believe a 40mph speed limit should be introduced along the stretch of Runwell Road, which is currently 60mph.

They are also calling for crash barriers to be installed along the road.

The latest crash took place shortly before 1.30pm on Saturday, with the male driver escaping unhurt from the wreckage.

Mrs Pinnock added: “I had just taken my daughter to Festival Leisure Park when I got a call from Brian telling me someone had crashed into the garden again.

“I just couldn’t believe it. It left a right mess behind.

“I’m scared that one day someone is going to be killed.

“My daughter’s bedroom is on the ground floor and I’m terrified a car is going to go into the house at some point.”

On Monday, May 25, a biker was airlifted to hospital after he collided with a Ford Ka, just outside the family’s home.

Ben Chow, 26, from Purleigh, had to undergo extensive plastic surgery on his legs and received 60 stitches in his head.

Just over a year ago, the Pinnocks could only watch in horror as a car spun through the air and landed in their front garden following a head-on crash.

Highways bosses at Essex County Council have previously said the speed limit on the stretch of road was appropriate.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “There are currently no plans to introduce further traffic calming measures in Runwell Road.

“However concerned residents can contact their local county councillor who can make representation to the Basildon Local Highways Panel on their behalf.”