Central Reservation to be Closed on H8

12.00.00am GMT Sun 21st Jan 2007

Road safety engineers from Milton Keynes Council are to close a stretch of central reservation on the busy H8, in a bid to prevent a tragedy.

Over the past few years there have been over a dozen accidents - six of them serious - caused by motorists emerging onto the road from either Waltham Drive or Tunbridge Grove. Most of the accidents have been caused by drivers making right hand turns on to the H8, bordering Monkston and Kents Hill, from both of these junctions.

Work is to start on 29 January 29 to close the central reservation crossing points to all traffic, except buses. This will prevent vehicles from turning right when coming out of Waltham Drive and Tunbridge Grove. The project is intended to last about six weeks and temporary 40mph speed limits will be in place during this time.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "There have been a number of accidents at this spot over the past few years - thankfully not with fatal consequences.

"This closure will remove the confusion and the option of making dangerous right hand turns, making a considerable contribution to safety at these junctions - and potentially saving lives."