A DRIVER could be fined up to £1,000 after allegedly failing to comply with a Stop sign at a notorious accident blackspot.

Police officers in the New Forest issued a ticket to a motorist at Ipley Crossroads - scene of two fatal incidents and other serious accidents in the past few years.

Writing on social media Waterside Cops posted: "The sign is there for a reason.

"With the recent accidents involving a number of animal fatalities across the Forest we felt it important to remind everyone of their obligations at this junction.

"Basically you must come to a complete stop before the solid white line before moving forward on to the main road.

"The driver could face a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence."

As reported in the Daily Echo, Hampshire County Council has approved a £457,000 plan to cut the crash risk at the crossroads.

Ipley Crossroads will be turned into a staggered junction to stop people driving straight across.

If the scheme is given planning permission a new section of the C97 Lyndhurst to Ipley route will be built to create a T-junction 50 metres south of the current crossroads.

The alteration will affect people driving east or west on the C97.

Campaigners claim the excellent visibility at the junction, which is surrounded by open countryside, often results in drivers failing to look carefully as they approach the crossroads.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Mark Brummell, 53, of Southampton, was killed in an accident with a Renault Megane in 2012. Four years later fellow cyclist Kieran Dix, 36, of Eastleigh, was fatally injured in a collision with a Vauxhall Zafira.

Three years ago the junction was named as one of the worst in the country for accidents involving cyclists.

The latest accident occurred in January. Dave Bensley was cycling through the Forest with fellow members of Southampton Cycling and Touring Club (STC) when he suffered serious neck and leg injuries in a collision.