A RINGWOOD councillor has called on the Highways Agency to install new signs on the A31 as a matter of urgency.

Ringwood councillor Michael Thierry was speaking just days after receiving a letter from roads minister Stephen Hammond, dismissing a trial 50mph speed limit on the road. Read the letter here.

The minister did however back proposals for improving signage along the A31, which Cllr Thierry said must be a priority.

Speaking following yesterday’s collision, he said: “This points to the fact that the Highways Agency must get a move on in respect of better signage.

“They have turned down the 50mph speed limit and we have to appreciate their reasons for doing that even though local people think it is the wrong decision.

“There was a promise to improve signage for this year and that has not happened yet.

“The Highways Agency is talking about improving signage for this time next year. I really believe it is urgent and my deeper concern is that it will be 2015 before we see anything.”

In his letter to the town council, Stephen Hammond said improved signage would lead to “reduced driver confusion, thus reducing driver error and the associated weaving manoeuvres that often cause collisions.”

He said the Highways Agency hope signs will be in place by summer 2014, although an attached report gives a timeframe of 12-18months once funding is secured.

“I think people do feel let down”, Cllr Thierry added.

“I’m not sure how much further we can go; I’ve been in front of the minister and told him face-to-face what it is like.

“The poor people of Ringwood are blighted by the fact that we have slip roads that are inadequate, joining traffic from a standing start to 70mph and I don’t see an end to these accidents.”

A meeting on September 6 at Ringwood Town Council will discuss a response to the minister’s decision.