Village Split Over Speed Signs Funded by Driver Who Later Killed Partner
A profound rift has emerged in the Norfolk village of Old Buckenham over a set of distinctive speed awareness signs, which were funded by a local resident who was later convicted of causing the death of his partner in a road accident. The signs, featuring local dialect phrases urging drivers to slow down, have become a source of intense controversy following the tragic incident.
The Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
Raymond Bayfield, an 83-year-old retired company director, funded the installation of several signs around Old Buckenham's green several years ago. However, in September 2023, he was driving his partner, 67-year-old Carole Jermy, and her dog to a grooming parlour when he took a corner too fast on Silver Street in nearby Besthorpe. His hired Ford Fiesta left the road and landed in a ditch. Ms Jermy, a school cleaner, died from her injuries the following day, though her dog survived.
At Norwich Magistrates' Court last month, Bayfield pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He was handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence and banned from driving for three years. The court heard he was driving at 47mph—within the speed limit but too fast for the blind bend. Victim impact statements from Ms Jermy's grandchildren described heart-breaking grief, with one saying, "The word heartbroken is not strong enough."
Family's Plea for Removal
Ms Jermy's daughters, Kelly Radford and her sister, who both live in the area, have called for the signs to be removed. Kelly Radford, 47, stated that having signs paid for by someone who killed a person by not driving carefully "feels wrong." She must pass them when visiting her mother's grave at St Nicholas Church, and her sister sees them daily when dropping off children at the village school.
In a letter to the parish council, Radford acknowledged the signs were meant as light-hearted humour but requested their removal "in light of what has happened." She argued, "If it was a member of their family, I'm fairly confident those signs would probably be down in an instant."
Parish Council's Decision to Keep Signs
The parish council discussed the matter in a private meeting, barring the public to allow for "private and respectful discussion." After consultation with the community speed watch group, they decided the signs should remain. A council spokesman explained they are viewed as "an effective tool in making drivers aware of their speed" and a "necessary public utility."
The spokesman added, "While the council fully acknowledges and sympathises with the deeply sensitive circumstances regarding the funding of the signs, they must balance individual concerns with the broader safety requirements of the community." The green has been plagued by speeding drivers, and there are at least five signs urging caution with phrases like "watch yar speed" and "slew yer down."
Village Residents Divided
The issue has split the village. Some residents, like John Walters, 68, who has worked in road regulations for over 20 years, argue the signs' unfamiliar wording could distract drivers. "When you've got to start reading signs, that's the problem," he said. Susan Hunt, 82, called them "rude" and a "distraction."
However, others support the signs. Leslie Passfield, 64, who moved from Essex four years ago, said they "give you a feel of the local community." Another anonymous resident remarked, "You shouldn't be driving that fast if you can't read it."
Bayfield's Role and Legacy
Bayfield, a keen advocate of the Norfolk dialect, played a pivotal role in funding and maintaining the signs. He has also made other donations to village amenities, including clearing a local pond and providing new bins. His barrister, Tim Pole, apologised in court, stating the tragedy haunts Bayfield daily. Bayfield has been approached for comment on the signs but has not responded.
The dispute highlights the complex interplay between road safety, community identity, and personal tragedy, leaving Old Buckenham grappling with a painful legacy.
