FARNHAM MP Jeremy Hunt joined village residents, other MPs and representatives of the emergency services from both Hampshire and Surrey in demanding immediate action from Surrey and Hampshire County Councils to prevent any further deaths on the 'Highway to Hell.' At a meeting held at the Northbrook Farm Estate last Friday Mr Hunt and North East Hampshire MP James Arbuthnot told highway services from both councils that the death and serious accident toll on the A31 Bentley bypass was totally unacceptable. More practical measures needed to be implemented in order to stem the rising tide of fatalities at the accident black spot. According to Mr Hunt's office, highways officials from Surrey and Hampshire County Councils have agreed to undertake a feasibility study into the options for improving the A31 at Bentley, in an effort to make the stretch of road between Farnham and Alton less dangerous for residents and other road users. The study's findings are due to be reported in February. Northbrook Residents' Association chairman Nick Roach has already commissioned an independent study into the operational safety of four accident blackspot junctions on the A31 at Bentley, which he has made available to the councils as supporting material to the report. The report, which only covers the Hampshire stretch of the road, reveals that, this year alone there have been 22 accidents and of those, five involved minor or serious injuries and one that resulted in a fatality. Mr Roach said that the Surrey side is much worse and there could be as many as 50 accidents a year on that side of the border. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hunt said: "When it comes to road safety, words are not enough. We need action. That is why I am so pleased that Surrey and Hampshire County Councils committed agreed to a study into options for improving that treacherous stretch of road and to do it by the beginning of next year." North East Hampshire MP James Arbuthnot said: "The best thing about the meeting was that everyone agreed to work together. We can tackle this urgent and serious issue only if we adopt a joint approach, and set aside boundaries in order to address what really matters to people, namely the safety of everyone using this road." Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Chamber Lane Group, The Bull Inn, Northbrook Residents' Association and Gravel Hill Group along with Bentley Parish Council and Surrey and Hampshire police. Mr Roach said: "This stretch of road has one of the worst accident records in the South and our independent road survey has concluded that the accident level on this road is well above the national average. "We are delighted with the attendance of the meeting. We had something like 300 people turnout to support our campaign. We are particularly grateful to James Arbuthnot and Jeremy Hunt for their determination to extract assurances from both HCC and SCC for an urgent and independent feasibility review for a comprehensive road safety system. "HCC and SCC were presented with some surprising evidence that had been obtained by residents. The consultants and residents are now working with Hampshire and Surrey and another meeting for mid-February has been arranged for Hampshire and Surrey to meet with MPs to asses proposals." A spokesman for SCC said: "Surrey County Council and Hampshire County Council have been working in partnership looking at the ways to improve road safety on the section of the A31 between Farnham and Bentley. "Discussions are ongoing, and a joint strategy for safety improvements on this stretch of road is due to be agreed by highway engineers representing the two authorities in early 2008."
