Strong turnout at A34 Action Group's first meeting

Meeting held to discuss A34 safety in wake of fatal crash

The inaugural meeting of an action group launched in the wake of the horrific fatal accident on the A34 last week which claimed the lives of a mother and three children took place last night [Wednesday].

A34 Action Group was launched by East Ilsley resident Alisdair Cunningham on Sunday after Wednesday’s tragic crash at the accident “blackspot” and has seen its membership soar to 781 members in just four days.

Around 50 people attended the emotive meeting at West Ilsley’s Village Hall at 8pm with a range of issues discussed surrounding the danger road.

Mr Cunningham said at the meeting: “Having the support of the local community is what will make this group work.

“Being here, showing your support, wanting to be part of it, we recognise it is an issue.

“We are all here because we feel something needs to be done.”

He added: “I am just a normal individual, I use the road every day and it makes me feel uncomfortable.

“Last week’s accident hit home with a lot of people. There are a lot of people that want to do something, so let’s have one voice.”

A one-minute silence was then held in respect of those who have died on the road before a range of issues were put forward by local residents.

Common topics raised included the proposed lowering of the speed limit from 70mph to 50mph, the erection of signage to warn motorists of the road’s safety record and improving visibility at the notorious Gore Hill section.

Driver behaviour was also scrutinised with many drivers sharing their stories of poor driving standards in turn leading to accidents.

When asked for a show of hands for how many people had been involved in some way in an accident on the A34 a fifth of those assembled admitted they had.

Meg Williamson, who launched a petition after her boyfriend died in an accident near East Ilsley in June was also present at the meeting.

She told the meeting she had never expected the petition which has now swelled to more than 2,000 signatures to have grown so much and said: “We can hopefully prevent any more injuries or loss of life going forward.”

Her petition can be accessed by visiting: https://www.change.org/p/oxford-city-council-save-lives-a34-50mph-with-speed-cameras

The action group's Facebook page can be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/224888151242762/