A346 speeding drivers leave Wiltshire residents in fear

The A346 into the town from the Swindon direction has been identified as a “dangerous” area for pedestrians, especially at the crossing point for The Common.

Speaking at a recent town council meeting, Elizabeth Cooper said the crossing had been made unsafe by drivers regularly speeding through the 30mph zone.

She said: “The A346 continues to hold substantial risks for anyone attempting to cross over to and from The Common.

“The speed limit is very frequently exceeded, posing danger for pedestrians, particularly children and older residents.

“I am very concerned that the recent Marlborough survey did not take account of the issues with the A346.

“Please could you reassure me - and residents - that the town council is looking closely at the concerns so many of us have.”

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The A346 in Marlborough (Image: Newsquest) Marlborough Town Councillors agreed that speeding is an issue on the road, which is one of the busiest routes into the town.

The town council is currently liaising with police to obtain statistics from speed checks in the area, but its speed indicator device in Herd Street has recorded in and outgoing speeds at over 90mph.

Concerns have also been raised about noise pollution from traffic in the area and an apparent increase in the movement of HGVs along the road.

While Marlborough Town Council does not possess legal powers over highways, it hopes to influence improvements to the situation on behalf of residents.

Councillors have discussed asking police to conduct increased speed checks to crack down on rule breaking drivers on the A346 at both Herd Street and Port

Wiltshire Police told this paper that speed checks are carried out with a focus on hotspot areas.

The A346 in Marlborough (Image: Newsquest) When asked if the A346 would be targeted by officers, a spokesperson for the force added that, for operational reasons, specific locations and dates could not be shared in advance.

Another aim of the town council is to have a “slowing down buffer zone” implemented on the approach to the 30mph zone.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, said: “We are aware that Marlborough Town Council has concerns about the speed limit on the A346 around the area of the Common and have broached the idea of a 40mph ‘Buffer zone’ to encourage drivers to reduce their speeds.

"However as 'Buffer zones' or intermediate speed limits are currently not considered an effective solution to reduce traffic speed, particularly if the nature of the road is not appropriate for motorists to slow down to the specified speed limit, we are working with them to explore other options.

"A more suitable option we are considering is ensuring that speed limit signing is correctly installed and visible, and if necessary enhanced with appropriate warning signs and road markings."