After four people died in four days in three separate crashes on the A36 through Wiltshire, the Wiltshire Times launched its Drive Down The Death Toll campaign.

The road was due a Government safety review 18 months ago but that was put on hold.

The A36 is one of Wiltshire’s most dangerous roads and has a history of serious accidents which have prompted residents to call for improved safety measures.

Editor Toby Granville said: “We’re hoping that the campaign will put pressure on the government to speed up its review of safety on the road, as improvements on the A36 were put on hold in December 2001 to give the government a chance to take a wider look at the road structure throughout the South West.

“But we feel it’s time for action now to reduce the death toll.

“Our campaign has already generated some media interest from local radio stations and has also received a good response from readers.”

Drive Down The Death Toll is asking for readers’ views to be sent in on a coupon published in the paper.

Those views will then be passed on to Westbury MP Andrew Murrison and transport secretary Alistair Darling.

Dr Murrison told the Times: “Anything that will help to improve safety on the A36 in particular and on roads in general has to be supported.”

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