Reading Mp In Talks About ‘Dangerous’ Slip Roads

An MP says she has had a “constructive conversation” with National Highways about two “dangerous” slip roads.

Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, has been campaigning for safety improvements to the A34 slip roads at East Ilsley and Beedon, and has spoken about it in the House of Commons.

After a site visit to meet officials, she said they discussed implementing safety improvements in the short term and undertaking a full safety review of the A34 in the long term.

Greg Stone, route manager for National Highways, confirmed work would start soon.

Ms Bailey, who is concerned about the slip roads being too short and having poor visibility, arranged for a survey to be carried out into the problem junctions, and said 450 people had been in contact. It found 96% of residents agreed that the slip roads were dangerous, and 91% had personally experienced issues.

She said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to illustrate first-hand the issues that are concerning my constituents, and discuss with the route manager how we can work together to address safety concerns,” adding that she would next appeal to the Department for Transport for a full safety review and “urgent investment” to deliver immediate improvements and more significant works as soon as possible.

MP for Newbury Lee Dillon has previously said the route is “vital” for the region but described the entry slip road at East Ilsley as one of the junctions “putting lives at risk”.

(Pic: National Highways)