The three-mile protest march marked a growing campaign for something to be done about the stretch of the A151 where eight people have died in the last five years.

Organised by district councillor Bob Creese, the march started at Delgate Bank in Weston and passed through the two villages, before turning back and finishing at Whaplode Village Hall.

Young, old and disabled were among the walkers. Some brought dogs or cycled the route. Several more displayed banners and chanted for a bypass as they strode the three-mile route.

Police at the front and rear shepherded traffic through, and though long lines of vehicles formed behind the march many of the drivers sounded their horns to show their backing.

In five years A151 accidents have claimed eight lives and injured 53 others, and campaigners have long been appealing to Lincolnshire County Council for a new road, at a cost of £12m.

They also want a pelican crossing in Whaplode – described as "two villages" because the road is so dangerous for some that they rarely cross it – and a speed limit in Moulton below the current 60mph.

Surveys have shown that 14,300 vehicles on average travel the road daily, but the KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) statistics do not meet criteria for change.

After the walk, completed in 55 minutes, Lincolnshire county councillor and portfolio holder for highways William Webb was grilled by fellow walkers.

Coun Webb said: "We know there's a very good reason why Whaplode should have a bypass, but I have a list of 21 other villages in Lincolnshire who all say they have got a good reason for a bypass. It's all to do with money. If we had it, we would love to do it."

He added that he could not understand why there is no limit in Moulton, and said he believed there was "a very strong case" to put forward a bid for one.

Coun Creese, who has been campaigning for several years, said: "We have had a survey done three times for a pelican crossing, and three times we have been told we don't have enough pedestrian movement.

"Of course we don't, because responsible parents won't let their children use it."