Councillors unanimously expressed their support for the campaign to extend the 50 mph speed restriction on the A346 between Ogbourne St Andrew and Ogbourne St George to include a notoriously dangerous stretch covering two minor junctions.
Campaign co-ordinator Rachel Inglefield was present at Monday’s (10 December) meeting of the full Town Council to explain the problems that road users were experiencing around the Ogbourne St George and Hallam junctions of the A346. The proposal include the introduction of a 50mph limit and flashing speed limit signs (as there are now in neighbouring Ogbourne St Andrew).
There are two ‘difficult’ junctions in this short stretch of road – where the road from Ogbourne St George leads into the A346, and a couple of hundred metres further where the Ridgeway path crosses the road at Hallam.
There have been numerous accidents adjacent to these junctions over the past few years, but many more ‘near misses’.
Rachel told marlborough.news: “The residents of the village have been concerned about the safety of this stretch of road for a number of years now, and after a couple of near misses over the summer when lorries nearly ploughed into the back of our car with my children in the back seat, I thought it was time we brought it to the attention of Wiltshire Council again.
“Over 600 people have now signed our petition, and we implore Wiltshire Council to take note – to look at the comments people have made, and read all the letters of support we have received from organisations such as British Cycling and the Ramblers and local businesses such as farmers and publicans.
“Its time now to be sensible and do the right thing.“
The petition for this campaign is being taken to the area CATG (Community Area Transport Group) which meets tomorrow (Thursday 13 December). The petition is live on https://www.change.org/p/safera346
Andrew Tuckey, chair of Ogbourne St George parish council added “Our residents have to battle a sharp turn onto the busy A346. It is a dangerous turning at the best of times, made all the more treacherous by the speed by which the cars come down the A346. For some unknown reason the 50 mph speed restrictions are lifted just south of the Hallam turn. It seems entirely reasonable to extend the 50mph restrictions to cover the hamlet of Hallam and the village of Ogbourne St George.”
The Town Council’s pledge of support was proposed by Councillor Andy Wilson and approved unanimously by all present.