Family's urgent road safety plea after fatal crash

A father is calling for urgent safety measures on a stretch of road where his son was killed in a crash.

Ben Solly, 28, died in a collision involving a lorry and another car on the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil in January 2024.

His father, David, says his family has launched a petition because there are still no warning signs on the "notorious blackspot".

Dorset Council, which is responsible for the road, said it was unable to comment until the inquest into Ben's death was complete.

Mr Solly, from Wynford Eagle, described Ben as "pretty exceptional" - a skilled mechanical engineer at Leonardo in Yeovil and an adventurer with many friends.

The crash happened near the staggered junction linking Cerne Abbas and Maiden Newton, early on 15 January, 2024, while Ben was driving to work.

Mr Solly said the stretch of the A37 was a "notorious blackspot"

Mr Solly said: "We hear from many people, including rescue services, that it's a notorious blackspot, where one road crosses the A37."

He said he anticipated the coroner would make safety recommendations, however, Ben's inquest had been postponed until October.

"In that time, what really upsets us is that other people may be hurt or injured at this spot," he said.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to family and friends of Ben.

"Following this tragic incident in 2024, we investigated the circumstances with Dorset Police and our findings have been passed to HM Coroner for their review and consideration."

The council said it would review the coroner's findings when the inquest was complete before determining the next steps.

The Sollys pleas have been echoed by others who have lost loved ones on the same stretch, known as Break Heart Hill, near Grimstone.

Dressage rider Jemima Green was paralysed from the waist down in a crash there in May 2015.

Her friend, Louiza Covey, and van driver, Steven Cook, were killed.

She said: "There are so many accidents on that road.

"It's heartbreaking to hear other families having to go through it.

"It's horrible and so unnecessary."