AFTER an accident which took place almost two years ago, new roadworks and speed devices have been installed in a road near Mattingley.

Following an accident on the B3349 Reading Road on June 20, 2017, in which a woman was airlifted to hospital after a Mini Cooper and a transit van were involved in a crash, traffic measures have now been put in place.

The road, which has a 40mph speed limit, would frequently see drivers exceeding 45mph, according to statistics gathered by Mattingley Parish Council.

After numerous requests for help to Hampshire County Council, roadworks to improve the road were completed on March 19, and the parish council was allowed to mount Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) around the area.

The matrix signs indicate to drivers the speed at which they are currently travelling, and displays a message to slow down if necessary.

The signs were first deployed in April this year, and so far seem to be having a small effect on the speed of drivers.

Member of Mattingley Parish Council Frazer Hamilton said: “The signs took quite a while to get sorted, and now that they are here we will be a little better off.

“It has had some impact on the level and speed of traffic, and we have had some comments relayed back to us about them.

“Over a three-week period in April 2019 when the SIDs were first deployed, we are seeing a similar level of traffic and speed, but the change is not something easily observable.

“However, it is interesting to see the number of drivers who brake immediately after seeing the signs.

“With the information we are gathering for Hampshire County Council, we are aiming to improve the safety for users and residents.”

Councillor Rob Humby, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council said: “Following the accident in June 2017, this stretch of road, particularly the bend where the accident occurred, was looked at by the Casualty Reduction Partnership – this includes the County Council, the Police and Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.

"Following discussions with the Parish Council, the County Council made improvements to the 40mph repeater signs, as well as improvements to the signing and lining on the northbound approach to the bend.”