Road safety campaigner Bill Douglas hopes the coroner investigating the death of van driver Gareth Jones will recommend improved safety measures on the road that claimed his life.

Coun Douglas made a plea for support for safety measures, including the closure of openings on the central reservations, along the A350 out of Chippenham at a meeting of the new area transport group last week.

His latest campaign was sparked by the death of 26-year-old Mr Jones, of Calne, who was killed when the van he was driving collided with a refuse lorry pulling out from a layby across the dual carriageway.

“I have been talking to the people who live where the accident occurred,” Coun Douglas said. “And they are all desperate for something to be done to stop U-turns.

“They are worried about the big wagons that turn into the lay-by to get to the food stall there, and if that is going to be an attraction for drivers I will be fighting for the police to close it.”

Coun Douglas hopes to be awarded funding from the Chippenham Area Board towards safety measures.

He intends to attend the inquest into Mr Jones’ death.

Coun Douglas said: “At that time I will make available to the coroner all the data I have collected on the site of the accident and the incidents that have occurred on this highway in the hope that he will recommend that safety measures are necessary. This would add huge impetus to a funding request.”