Speed checks added to 'dangerous' Port Hill in Marlborough

A new type of speed camera has been installed on a "dangerous" stretch of road between Swindon and Marlborough, after years of petitioning.

Port Hill, located on the A346 just outside of Marlborough, is one of the town's busiest roads as it's used daily by commuters travelling between Marlborough and Swindon.

The road has seen years of crashes, near misses, and an online petition launched after concerns that it was a danger to crossing pedestrians.

In 2022, resident Hannah Louise told the Gazette and Herald: "I have seen too many times people with their dogs or pushchairs stood in the middle feeling unsafe and dogs actually shaking with fear from the heavy fast traffic flow.

“Something needs to be done now before someone is killed or seriously hurt."

Just four months later, a crash on Port Hill saw three people hospitalised.

Port Hill has been described as a speeding hotspot (Image: Google Maps) Now, five years on from Hannah's initial petition for change, a speed indicator device (SID) has been installed on the hill.

SIDs are unique devices as they record the speeds of traffic moving in both directions, not just those approaching the flashing signs.

"There is a long history of people asking for safety improvements and/or a crossing at this stretch of road, and we are still working with the Highways Authority to try to make this happen," said a spokesperson for Marlborough Town Council.

"We know that placing a SID here won’t solve all those problems, but it will remind drivers about the speed limit.

"More importantly, it will provide us with real data that we can use as supporting evidence as we continue to ask for improvements and liaise with Wiltshire Police."

The device has been installed on a lamppost, and will record speeds in both directions (Image: Marlborough Town Council) Marlborough Town Council says the device will be on rotation between Port Hill and "other speeding hotspots around the town".

While the introduction of the SID is welcome news, some have questioned why it has taken so many years for action to be taken.

Recommended reading:

• New route and old-school mascot expected at 'retro' town carnival

• New Look shuts as town says goodbye to high street staple

• Plans submitted to transform Kate Middleton's historic Wiltshire school

In 2020, the town council's action log for 'Safe Crossing Point Port Hill to The Common’ recorded that "the town council supports this request for a safer crossing, whether a pedestrian crossing, reduction in the speed limit or by other means."

That was five years ago, and action has not been taken until now, despite ongoing discussions.

"Hopefully this will prove and support our evidence that we have to show Wiltshire Council something needs to be done in that area," said Councillor Lisa Farrell.