WORRIED residents fear another fatal accident could be just around the corner unless the speed limit on a dangerous stretch of road is reduced.

Residents living off the A404 Wycombe to Amersham road have become increasingly concerned since two teenagers were killed when their car crashed into a tree at Mop End soon before Christmas. The cause has not been established and an inquest will be held.

Richard Peathey-Johns, who has lived in Mop End Lane, just off the A404, for 18 years, said the accidents on the road seems to be increasing every year.

The father-of-three, who would like to see the road have its 60mph limit cut to 40mph, explained: "I have had major concerns since we have been here. It really is a very dangerous stretch of road.

"Sitting in the garden, we've heard a tremendous amount of cars bashing into each other and these are the sort of accidents you never hear anything about. We've seen several cars wrecked. There should be speed restrictions. It's criminal."

Mr Peathey-Johns, 52, has lost four family cats on the road. He recently installed a £1,000 electric fence around his garden to prevent his dog from being run over for a third time.

He is especially concerned about the safety of parents taking their children to Penn School, in Church Road, off the A404.

He said: "The worst place is where people turn right to get to Penn School. Approaching cars have no chance of actually stopping. We're talking about mothers with young children here. We brought our three children up in fear every time we crossed the road there."

Tom Bullock, of Wycombe Lodge, said roundabouts were needed at junctions to slow down the traffic. He would like to see the speed limit reduced to 50mph. He said: "I've lived here for 20 years and it's got worse because of the amount of traffic. I would have thought a lower speed limit would be the answer.

"I think something has got to be done, this is quite serious now."

Richard Burton, a spokesman for Buckinghamshire County Council, said there had been 28 accidents, seven of which were serious, between Holmer Green Road and Cherry Lane on the A404 in the last six years.

These figures run up to October last year and do not include the deaths of Daniel Garrett, 19, of High Wycombe, and Ross Blackburn, 19, of Hazlemere, in the fatal car crash last month.

Mr Burton added: "With this incident which took place recently we are investigating this stretch of road."