A county councillor is calling for measure to make a junction in Kings Worthy safer.

The junction, on the A33 near the Cart and Horses pub, has seen collisions increasing the need for a better organised crossroads.

Jackie Porter, county councillor for the Itchen Valley division, has asked for a new road layout to be considered.

In a letter to Cllrs Rob Humby and Russell Oppenheimer, Cllr Porter said: “I campaigned with the Worthys residents for a safe junction in 2014, and we fought for a 40mph limit, lighting and CCTV.

“These were installed, but the lines on the road and the signs on the poles are confusing and accidents still happen.

“The junction is still not understood by drivers and so many people tell me that there is no signage telling them to give way. It just isn’t noticeable.

READ MORE: County council Conservatives restate support for closure of Andover Road in Winchester

“Drivers have suggested STOP signage on the B3047 side roads. I have asked for this before and it has been rejected by Hampshire County Council.

“Cllr Humby, you and the county council have both said that the road layout could not be changed until we know the impact of the new M3 junction 9 design. Well now, albeit years after we were promised, we have a much better idea.

“National Highways’ new design for junction 9 does not currently include a change in layout for the Cart and Horses junction. They say there is no need! I completely disagree. A safer junction is essential.

“I urge you to insist that this junction, already in the ‘red line’, is part of the National Highways’ design, or commit to Hampshire County Council funding the work, preferably before junction 9 is finally rebuilt.”

Cllr Porter has started a petition which is available here: https://www.winld.org.uk/safech.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “The two recent incidents, resulting in minor injuries, to have occurred at the Cart and Horses junction are the first for almost four years - since July 2018 when the County Council’s reduced the speed limit through the junction to 40mph. This was the final part of a package of measures which also comprised the installation of new street lighting and some road layout changes. As the safety record has been relatively good in recent years, we have no current plans to make any further safety improvements. However, we are not complacent and should this position change significantly we will review the situation further and consider whether any further action is required.”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.

Kimberley Barber