Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Traps to be set for speedsters through Highclere





Village beat manager, Pc Matt Deery, told parish councillors at a meeting last Monday (Mar 12) at Highclere Village Hall, that Hampshire police were planning to implement two operations on the A343, set at about two weeks apart, and starting at some time during May.
These would include the use of speed guns and number-plate recognition devices at both ends of the village.
Pc Deery also said that the police would stop any vehicle with expired insurance, MOT or tax, and could sieze vehicles at the roadside, if drivers did not provide the right documents.
“I want to drive home the message that speeding through Highclere is not acceptable,” said Pc Deery.
“If you are standing at the side of the road, you are nearly blown over by lorries,” he said. The vehicles could often be heard inside villagers’ houses, rumbling past their front doors, in what was a 30mph zone.
There was some dispute at the meeting, however, over what would be the most effective time and day for the speed traps.
Most councillors thought that, because of its volume, rush-hour traffic was slower, but Penwood parish councillor Graham Falconer disagreed.
He said that he had come across a number of 4x4s and white vans “banging around at 60mph in a 40mph limit within the rush hour”.
Penwood Crossroads on the A343 were highighted as a particular black spot.
Penwood parish councillor Susan Edwards said that one night a car went past her “at what must have been 70mph”.
Councillors said that the risk of accidents at the crossroads was increased by the volume of traffic travelling from Newbury along the A343 towards Highclere.
Drivers were reported to be breaking sharply to turn right at the crossroads, en route to Woolton Hill Junior and St Thomas Infant schools in Woolton Hill.
It was finally agreed that the best time for the speed traps would be between 7.30am and 9,30am, Monday to Friday.
Pc Deery said Penwood Crossroads, where the speed limit was 40mph, was likely to be included in the plans.
He added that, if the May police operation proved successful, it was likely to be repeated several times a year.
With an office in the grounds of Highclere Castle, Pc Deery is also the beat manager for Ashmansworth, East Woodhay, Burghclere, Newtown, Litchfield & Dunley, Ecchinswell & Sydmondon, Penwood, Woolton Hill and Bishops Green.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More