A petition has been launched on the ‘Number 10 website’ calling for reduced speeds on narrow country lanes across the UK.

Many local road users especially those that use the Parish for recreational purposes are concerned how unsafe our rural lanes are becoming. Continual restrictions and traffic volumes along some of the major routes through the area are forcing motorist to seek-out alternative routes. And these alternative routes are our country lanes, which incidentally, have fewer restrictions, less statutory speed restrictions and fewer pavements than the main routes.

It's accepted that some commercial vehicles have to pass through our lanes, especially those carrying essential supplies (Greene King Brewery truck)! but as I walked along the road just south of Baughurst House I came across a number of tree branches that had fallen into the road. As I (and Amber, our Airedale Terrier) started the clear the debris from the road I heard a truck trundling toward us from around the bend.

Getting the inclination that the truck seems to be travelling a little fast, I said to Amber: "Time to get out the way." A sudden screech of brakes and the truck came to a sharp stop. I carry on trying to move the branches. The truck mounts the grass verge and the driver and his assistant look at me as if I'm some sort of 'do-gooder'.