Maria Miller MP for Basingstoke has called on the Highways Agency and Hampshire County Council to take urgent action to tackle aggressive driving and rat running through Old Basing caused by major road works at Black Dam roundabout.
Maria called for a review of congestion and rat running at the beginning of December and its now clear there has been a 40-80% increase in traffic through the Old Basing area since the Black Dam road works started.
Maria said, “More cars are causing congestion but I know many residents are even more concerned about the aggressive behaviour of some drivers using residential lanes to avoid the traffic jams. Many of these roads were not designed to take this level and type of traffic. The Highways Agency and Hampshire County Council are closely monitoring the situation but I want to see urgent action to better identify narrow lanes where cars have to give way and I hope consideration can be given to a police presence where necessary.
At peak times in the morning children and parents are walking to school. It is important that the additional cars, vans and lorries do not compromise pedestrian safety.”
County Councillor Elaine Still will be meeting County officials and the Police this week to review the situation. Elaine said, “ The results of this survey show that action is needed. It is important to talk to residents about how best to improve the situation but it is clear that some swift action to make sure road signage is clearer would help. I will also be asking the Police to have a visible presence in the area to help reassure local residents.”