We gave our thanks for his meeting us, and George said he'd be in touch.
As he turned away to walk back under the A34 toward Whitchurch, a silver Volvo estate came down the sliproad and immediately moved onto the right-hand side of the road under the bridge, into the face of any oncoming traffic bound for Tufton. The driver realised his or her mistake and swerved quickly back onto the correct side of the road, before then indicating and turning right to head south on the A34.
All in full view of George and the locals gathered.
We cannot presuppose the outcome of today's meeting, and the Highways Agency is now legendary in their adherence to rules, formulas and policy in the face of known issues, countless photos, witness statements and vociferous calls for action from locals. Now a senior minister of the crown and former transport secretary has witnessed an innocent motorist being completely misled by a road's design, and has heard from locals that far from being a rare mishap, this is a daily occurrence.
Fingers crossed.
Footnote: Whilst waiting to meet at the intersection, this photo was taken of a car crossing almost entirely over the hatching and centreline at the intersection. Note the MP standing on the corner looking on.
