A RESIDENT’S campaign for changes to be made to a road dubbed an “accident hotspot” has received support from three councillors.

As reported by The Gazette last month, the resident, who does not wish to be named, raised concerns about the speed limit on Reading Road, Mattingley, after a collision between a Mini Cooper and a Transit van on June 20 which led to a woman being airlifted to hospital.

After the crash, the van ended up on its side on the carriageway, while the Mini swerved off of the carriageway and people had to smash the windows of the Mini to help the woman who had become stuck in the car which was also on fire.

Now the man leading the campaign has had backing from three councillors; Hart District councillor, Tim Southern and Anne Crampton and Hampshire County councillor David Simpson. Cllrs Simpson and Southern have offered to attend an onsite meeting with Hampshire County Council’s highways team, but are waiting for a full police report about the accident in June for a date for the visit to be established.

An initial police report stated the road had very few accidents reported, so does not appear to be a problem necessitating a speed limit change.

However, the campaigner said: “ I have recent and personal experience from last week that when stationary in traffic I was involved in a rear end collision and four cars damaged by a driver who was clearly either not in control of not paying attention.

“The police reluctantly attended but took no action as no ambulances were required, no check was made on the offending driver either to see if they were on the phone or if there were skid marks, it is therefore little wonder we have the information to assess accident areas.”

The resident is hoping with continued support from the councillors, the speed limit will be able to get changed and to, they feel, make the road safer.

One of the councillors supporting the resident, cllr Simpson said: “What we can do is put pressure on Hants Roads, and to this end I have arranged for the cabinet member to visit in August when we will go to various sites, the B3349 being one.

“I have found this approach works best if one wants to be effective.”