A PETITION to get traffic lights installed at The Golden Pot crossroads seems unlikely to bear fruit.

Despite more than 540 signatures calling for traffic lights at the troublespot junction, Hampshire County Council has said such measures wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem.

Following a recent crash at The Golden Pot on September 11, which saw the pub’s fence destroyed, staff said “something has to be done”.

Landlord Nik Christides described the crossroads on the New Odiham Road as a “hotspot for accidents” and has urged the county council to take action.

He said he hoped people would sign the petition at change.org as “the general consensus” is that traffic lights would address the dangers.

But councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at the county council, isn’t so sure.

“Improving road safety is an important priority for us,” Mr Humby explained.

“We have invested in a number of safety improvement schemes over the years on the stretch of the Old Odiham Road near to The Golden Pot. Measures taken recently include the introduction of red ‘alert’ bars and improved road markings leading to the junction from all directions to try to encourage drivers to reduce their speed as they approach that section of road and the crossroads.

“As part of our planned programme of highways maintenance, we will be trimming back and clearing verges and hedgerows on the roadsides to ensure that road safety signs can continue be seen clearly and to maintain good visibility for motorists.”

Mr Humby continued: “I can assure you that full consideration has been given to requests to install traffic signals, but after extensive assessment of the site it is felt that at that particular location there would need to be major works undertaken to ensure that the junction would have appropriate turning lanes and forward visibility, and these measures at this site may not remove the accident problem entirely.

“There is a concern that a major investment could be carried out with no significant benefit in terms of overall accident reduction.

“I would add that while road safety measures can help reduce the risk of a vehicle accident, drivers need at all times to be drive responsibly, at the appropriate speeds and to respond accordingly to the road and to prevailing weather and traffic conditions during their journey.”