A 75-YEAR-OLD man died in a crash in Bridport in the latest of a spate of serious collisions in west Dorset.

The man was killed on the A35 Sea Road South when his car collided with a lorry at around 5am on Tuesday.

The circumstances are being investigated by Dorset Police. The incident follows a serious collision on the A35 at Morcombelake last week.

Police have issued general advice to drivers as the roads fill up in the busy summer season and are urging people to stay safe and to heed diversions.

In the fatal collision on Tuesday, Dorset Police said that a white curtain-sided lorry, registered to a company in Milton Keynes and driven by a 46-year-old Derbyshire man, collided with an orange Daewoo Matiz, driven by a 75-year Torquay man.

The lorry was heading towards the Crown Roundabout on Sea Road South when it collided with the car, which was heading in the opposite direction.

Sadly the driver of the Matiz was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

Road closures were put in place from the Texaco Roundabout to the Mitsubishi garage for several hours.

Roads were clogged up for much of the day and councillors and the police are urging people to keep safe.

Inspector Mike Darby of Bridport Police said: “The incident caused significant disruption and delays for people around Bridport.

“Our thoughts and feelings are with the victim’s friends and family."

He added: “I encourage people using the roads when there has been a major accident to remain calm and follow set diversion routes to ensure roads around Bridport remain clear by not trying to find a shortcut.

“The A35 is the main road running through Dorset. It is a fast road in relation to the size of the road and speed limit.

“There is a lot of traffic on the road throughout the year."

“We have significantly high amount of serious accidents. We appeal for people to drive carefully and realise the dangerous our roads pose.”

Appeals come after a series of serious crashes on the A35 this year with this being the third fatal accident. Last week, four people were injured in a serious crash on the A35 near Morcombelake.

Police thanked motorists for their patience as recovery work was carried out by the emergency services on Tuesday.

Councillors joined police in asking people to drive safely in the area.

Bridport Town Councillor Anne Rickard said: “Obviously, everyone needs to be driving carefully.

"We’re a popular place."

“As for the accident (Tuesday) it’s very sad. Accidents happen and it is always very sad."

“We’re the main route now to the West. More people have cars, it is going to be difficult. I think people want to come to the area.”

Fellow councillor David Rickard said the crash on Sea Road South was the first serious crash he was aware of on that stretch of the A35.

Witnesses to Tuesday's crash should call Dorset Police on the 101 telephone line quoting incident number 4:44