A DANGEROUS road that is increasingly used as a rat-run should get improved safety measures before someone is killed. That is the stark warning from a Pitfold Avenue resident who believes the increasing problems of Woolmer Hill being used a rat-run will only get worse once work on the A3 tunnel begins. Kaz Oversby told The Herald there had been an increase in smaller accidents at the end of the road – a nasty junction where those turning left towards Hindhead must swing into the opposite lane. She believes that, while a big accident is yet to happen, it is only a matter of time until something serious occurs – and that the victims will probably be blameless. She said: "There has been an increase in heavier traffic using the road, including smaller lorries and big Transit vans. "The traffic is increasing and it is bound to get worse when work on the tunnel starts. "The worst example we ever saw was a 4x4 with a boat on the back, which swung right out to turn left. "But it's not going to be them that gets hurt but the poor so-and-so coming the other way. "There have not been any serious accidents, but it is only a matter of time." She said she believed that some form of traffic calming measure should be in place at the junction – or a complete ban on left turns. She added: "The council needs to be aware that this is being used as a rat-run. We all use it if we are honest, but there is an increase in larger traffic and that is making it dangerous." A Surrey County Council spokesman said: "Whilst some people experience difficulty in manoeuvring at the junction of Critchmere Hill and Pitfold Avenue, there is no accident record at this location. "SCC receives limited resources for accident remedial works, therefore these resources need to be directed to locations where the maximum benefit to all road users can be achieved. "However, works are ongoing in Woolmer Hill Road to install a new raised road crossing outside the school in the new financial year as part of the Haslemere Traffic Task Group's ongoing Safe Routes to Schools programme. "SCC are also working with the Highways Agency to investigate options for additional traffic calming in Woolmer Hill Road and Critchmere Hill associated with the A3 tunnel works at Hindhead. It is hoped that a programme of public consultation will be publicised shortly." "Additionally, SCC will shortly be erecting a series of high-visibility signs between Lion Lane and Critchmere Hill as an initiative to mitigate speed and accident problems on the A287, in response to concerns raised by residents along this road."
