ACTION for major improvements to a deadly junction has been called upon by residents of Kings Worthy and Itchen Abbas.

Residents have called on Hampshire County Council Highways to improve the Cart and Horses junction after the death of a driver and several incidents within the space of two months.

A deputation was led by supporters on Thursday, November 24, with councillors showing their support. 

Cllr Jackie Porter said: “We have been campaigning for a safer junction here since 2014. The junction was changed, but has since created even more confusion and we continue to seek a clearer and safer junction.  

"It’s not a coincidence that many accidents are described as driver error. The County Council have not considered the accident record as bad enough to take action.  

"Surely, after a terrible fatality and so many visits by the emergency services in the last few months, now must be the time to make changes here."

There has been a number of accidents in recent years involving emergency services call-outs and the death of a young man crossing the road in 2016.

On Tuesday October 25, a woman died and a man was seriously injured following a collision between a Mazda and a van. 

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The pair, both in their 70s, were taken to Southampton General Hospital where shortly after the woman was pronounced dead.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, executive member for Highways Operations at Hampshire County Council, said: “I listened carefully to the deputation and have also noted the concerns raised with us through emails and letters, about this junction.

"However, we must await the outcome of the police investigation following the tragic, fatal incident in October and a subsequent Casualty Reduction Partnership Review before making any decisions about any changes to the junction that may be recommended as a result of this incident.”

Caroline Kirkman said: “Confusion when using a junction is not helpful. This junction proves that. The changes that were made have caused even more confusion. 

Even regular local users of the junction are confused by it. We need a better solution now to stop more accidents.”

David Learmonth said: "I made the same deputation to HCC six years ago to the day. A lot has happened regionally, nationally and globally since then, but unfortunately very little has happened regarding our request to reduce the dangers associated with the layout of this junction. 

"After a number of serious incidents at the junction in recent weeks we are calling upon the council to put in place immediate measures to make the junction safer, whilst also putting forward a complete junction redesign plan for public consultation."

The residents were supported by 30 other local people outside the council chamber who held a banner demanding a 'Safer Cart and Horses Junction now'.