RESIDENTS of villages along the A346 main road are demanding action from speeding motorists as there have been several accidents along the Ogbourne stretches.

In Hallam and Ogbourne St George nearly 500 locals have signed a petition to have the 50mph speed limit signs moved further back from their villages to slow down traffic.

Because of the danger to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders they also want flashing speed limit signs, more prominent signs for side roads, Ridgeway walker crossing signage and a review of the road layout to increase safety.

Rachel Inglefield of Hallam said: “The 50mph ends just south of the two turnings to Ogbourne St George, so we are calling on Wiltshire Highways to move the signs to north of the two junctions.

“The cars come along at an incredibly fast speed and these turnings are dangerous at the best of times.

“There are no signs to say the National Ridgeway crosses at this point. We have parties of walkers, hikers and horseriders crossing at a place where traffic is very fast.”

Another resident said motorists coming off the M4 are still mentally driving at motorway speeds while another said the road is straight in places tempting drivers to reach high speeds but failing to slow for the villages.

The village section of the road does not have street lighting said one man which led to problems when crossing the road in the dark for families, dog walkers and pedestrians.

Mrs Inglefield said the action group were following due process and were in the process of speaking to Wiltshire Council and would present their proposals to improve the road.

Wiltshire Highways said in response: “xxxxxxx.”