MEMBERS of Parliament who have constituencies that line the A34, including North West Hampshire’s Kit Malthouse, have spoken about the progress on making the stretch of road safer.

Highways England presented a first draft of its safety review in April this year and while statistically this proved the A34, which passes alongside Whitchurch, was no more dangerous than other roads, it did acknowledge the particular issues on the stretch by East Ilsley, in Berkshire.

The review also recognised the huge economic impact caused by hold ups and collisions, given the increasing importance of the road as a major north-south transport link.

Having met with the A34 Action Group, set up in the aftermath of tragedies on the road last August, Ed Vaizey MP for Didcot and Wantage, brought the issue to Parliament by securing a Westminster debate last October, getting a commitment to a safety review.

At the end of November, Richard Benyon and Nicola Blackwood,the former MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, met with the chancellor of the exchequer Phillip Hammond who then confirmed funding, as part of the 2015-20 Road Investment Strategy, to the tune of £25m was allocated for A34 ‘technology enhancement’ between the M4 and the M40, and £25m for improvements previously agreed to the Peartree and Botley junctions at Oxford.

Mr Malthouse said: “It’s really good news that our efforts are starting to show progress on the dangerous short slip roads that cause serious accidents and near misses.

“There is still more to do though.”

The MPs are due to meet again in the next few weeks.

MrVaizey added: “I am pleased the safety review is now nearing completion and look forward to working with stakeholders to implement the results.”