A CAMPAIGN demanding highway safety improvements on the New Odiham Road (B3349) has received “fantastic” support from members of the public.

Alton man Daniel King said he has been “overwhelmed” by the response to his Change.org petition which collected around 2,000 signatures in just three days.

After “many years of hearing horror stories” about “accidents and near misses” at the crossroads, Mr King received a call from his partner on Friday (November 8) evening telling him she too had become a victim of the notorious black spot.

Helen Shearman had been in the passenger seat, travelling with her mother from the Avenue towards Froyle Road, when the collision occurred.

Mr King said the other motorist was heading along the New Odiham Road towards Alton.

Suffering broken ribs and punctures to her lung, Ms Shearman is “still in a great deal of pain” though is now out of hospital and on the road to recovery.

While her physical injuries will likely heal, Mr King said the “psychological” impact of the event has been significant.

He was himself travelling home from work when he received the call so managed to be on the scene in a matter of minutes. Mr King praised the “absolutely fantastic” work of the emergency services.

“My aim through this petition is to get something done even if it is putting the speed limit down,” he said.

“Ideally traffic lights but I know this is probably unlikely.”

Signatories voiced their support for his petition.

“I’ve been a professional driver for 14 years now,” Stephen Sillitoe said. “In my opinion the speed limit for New Odiham Road B3349 needs reducing to 40mph on approach.

“I now avoid crossing this junction as I deem it too dangerous.”

Gill Todd-Smith added: “My family home is further down this road and over the years there have been more accidents than I can count on this dangerous crossroads including many fatalities. Action is needed now.”

To sign the petition visit change.org/p/east-hampshire-county-council-make-the-golden-pot-crossroads-safe.

“I would really like to make a difference before this horrible junction affects another family in a worse way,” Mr King added.

Responding to similar concerns in 2016, Hampshire County Council ruled out the installation of traffic lights at the junction.

A council spokesman said: “We were very sorry to hear of this incident and hope those involved recover quickly. A number of safety improvement measures have been implemented on this stretch of the New Odiham Road near to the Golden Pot junction, and further measures are planned.

"In recent years, red ‘alert’ bars have been installed along with improved road markings leading to the junction from all directions to try and encourage drivers to reduce their speed as they approach the crossroads, and we will soon be installing an additional Stop sign and improved road markings on the Shalden approach, as well as narrowing the junction itself.”