Improving A34 Safety: A Continued Campaign for Action

The A34 has long been a concern for many residents and commuters in Newbury and beyond. It’s a road that sees too many accidents, some of which tragically result in serious injuries or fatalities. As part of my ongoing efforts to improve road safety in our area, I’ve been working hard with my fellow MPs to raise awareness and push for meaningful change to protect those using the A34 every day.

Earlier this year, I launched a survey to gather feedback from constituents on their experiences with the A34. The response was overwhelming, with many of you sharing your concerns about the road’s safety, particularly in areas known for frequent accidents. It’s clear from this survey that we need more action to ensure the A34 is safer for everyone.

One of the key issues raised by residents was the lack of speed enforcement measures in high-risk areas. Speeding remains a major factor contributing to accidents on this road. It’s not just about reducing speed limits – it’s about ensuring those limits are adhered to, particularly in areas where accidents are frequent. That’s why I’ve tabled a written question to the Secretary of State for Transport, asking what steps the Government is taking, in collaboration with National Highways, to introduce speed enforcement measures at known accident hotspots on the A34.

However, the response I received was disappointing. The Government made it clear that there are no immediate plans to introduce speed enforcement measures, despite the known risks on this road. While they did acknowledge that speed limits across the network are reviewed regularly, this response highlights the very problem I’ve been campaigning about – the lack of proactive action on the root cause of many accidents on the A34.

This is not just about reviewing speed limits; we need real, tangible action to enforce them, particularly in high-risk areas. It is simply not enough to wait for accidents to happen before considering action. We need speed enforcement now to stop preventable accidents and protect lives on this critical route.

I will continue to press the Government to reconsider its stance and push for more immediate action to ensure that speed limits are adhered to, particularly in accident hotspots. This is an issue that directly impacts the safety of our community, and we cannot afford to wait any longer for real solutions.

I will also continue to work with local authorities, National Highways, and other stakeholders to ensure the A34 is a safer road for all who use it. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences with me so far.