The campaign to improve the safety on the A346 at a particularly dangerous stretch at Ogbourne St George took a step further forward this afternoon (Friday 25 January) when Devizes MP, Rt Hon Claire Perry met with the Ogbourne residents campaign group, Wiltshire Councillor Jane Davies and Marlborough Mayor Lisa Farrell to express her support for the campaign.
The residents of Ogbourne St George are calling on Wiltshire Council and Highways England to improve safety on the A346 over the two junctions of Ogbourne St George and Hallam. The A346 is recognised as a notoriously dangerous road, particularly at the point where the Ridgeway crosses. Action needs to be taken before another serious accident occurs.
Residents are demanding a review into road safety to protect drivers, local residents, walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Demands include:
- Reducing the speed limit to 50mph;
- Installing flashing speed limit signs;
- Installing more prominent signs for motorists to take note of the turnings;
- Installing signs to alert motorists that people are crossing the Ridgeway at this point of the road;
- Reviewing the physical features of the road with a view to engineering any changes that will encourage drivers to slow down.
The petition of 638 signatures and dossier of supportive letters to Wiltshire Council was presented by representatives of the village on 13 December 2018 at the Community Area Transport Group meeting. The campaign has received the backing of local businesses and key organisations such as the Ramblers, Friends of the Railway Path, Wiltshire Bridleways Association, British Cycling and the Ridgeway National Trail. The Parish Council of Ogbourne St George is fully supportive of this campaign.
The Community Area Transport Group has noted the concerns of the residents and has agreed to add the request to its list of current schemes it is reviewing.
Andrew Tuckey, chair of the Parish Council said: “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.”
Claire Perry, MP said: “I am concerned to hear of residents views and am impressed to learn of the campaign to address this issue. I would urge Wiltshire Council to do everything they can to improve safety on this stretch of the road.”
Sarah Wright, Ridgeway National Trail Officer said “We invite people to use The Ridgeway National Trail and so it is important to ensure the A346 crossing is safe for the thousands of walkers, cyclists and horse riders using the Trail each year. Roads have got busier since the Trail was first opened in 1972 so road crossings need to be reviewed. It would be bad news for the local economy if visitors were put off from using The Ridgeway.
Campaign co-ordinator Rachel Inglefield said: “We understand that Wiltshire Council can only work on five priority schemes at one time. There is a long waiting list of other important schemes and our scheme will sit alongside those, waiting to reach the top of the list. We know that due process has to be followed, but we hope that the residents of Osbourne St George are not kept waiting for too long. We will not let our concerns be forgotten and will continue to push for change. Thanks to Wiltshire Council for listening to us and we look forward to working with you over the months ahead”.
Marlborough.Photography
