MP in talks about 'dangerous' slip roads

Residents have raised concerns about the safety of the East Ilsley slip road

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.

MP Olivia Bailey said she addressed safety concerns during her National Highways site visit

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."

She said 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".

Improved barriers

Mr Stone said: "We take issues of safety on our roads very seriously, carrying out weekly inspections identifying any issues."

He added: "The A34 around East Ilsley is due to be resurfaced in Spring 2025, which will include the slip road, and improved safety barriers will be installed at East Ilsley.

"We are renewing the existing two sections of safety barriers in the southbound verge, one just past the southbound exit slip road and the other section at the top of the hill at Fidler's Lane bridge, and installing a new section joining the two existing pieces together.

"This should improve safety for road users and has been prioritised following recent incidents."

He said temporary repairs to the road surface had also been carried out.