Safety changes made to A303 in Chicklade
Several changes have been made in response to concerns of local people
The speed limit along the A303 through Chicklade has been dropped by 10 miles an hour as safety changes have been made to the road.
National Highways identified safety issues for residents accessing the single carriageway section of the A303 and are making numerous changes.
As well as the reduced speed limit, new signs and road markings have been put in place, with new road studs and vehicle-activated signs being installed in the near future.
Chris Hilldrup, National Highways’ A303 Route Manager, said: “Safety is the first priority for National Highways, and we constantly monitor the safety performance of all our roads, including the A303.
“Given the longstanding severance and access issues for the village, evidenced by an increase in incidents recently, we have engaged with Tim Pollard, the parish chair, and residents, and took the decision to reduce the speed limit initially. This will be enforceable, and we will conduct further monitoring in the meantime.
“This study will consider all aspects of road safety for both users of the A303 and the local community and, continuing to work with our local authority partners, data will help to inform evidence for any potential future measures.”
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, asset needs manager for the South West, Marcus Anning, said the reduced speed limit was also the result of analysing speed and collision data.
"What we're predicting is that by reducing the speed by 10 miles an hour will improve safety of both drivers and those living adjacent to the A303, but also without significantly reducing journey time reliability.
"So the amount of time it will delay drivers on the A303 is minimal."
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We were pleased to work with both National Highways and Wiltshire Police on this project in Chicklade. I would like to thank National Highways for reducing the speed limit and making access on to the A303 safer for both local residents and visitors.
“Road safety is a key part of our Business Plan, and we will continue to work with our partners to continue to make Wiltshire’s roads safer.”