Aarron tragedy may spark road review (From Bournemouth Echo)

Aarron tragedy may spark road review

7:03am Saturday 4th October 2008 in

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ONE of Hampshire's top councillors has expressed his sympathy to the family of 12-year-old Aarron Keeping, who tragically died after a collision with a car when crossing a road in the centre of Bransgore.

The collision happened at about 4.30pm on Tuesday September 30 at the staggered crossroads junction between Burley Road and Ringwood Road.

Aaron, who lived in Burnt House Lane with parents Freda and Martin Keeping, was with a young friend heading towards the village recreation ground when the collision happened.

The accident has renewed calls in the village for improvements to the crossroads, which has been the scene of many minor collisions in the past.

“The Casualty Reduction Partnership [between the county council, district council and police] will be considering the police findings as part of the ongoing assessment of all locations where serious accidents have occurred.”

Cllr Mel Kendal, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for environment

But Hampshire County Council has turned down requests for methods of improving safety there because there had been no fatalities, though a 30mph speed limit is due to replace the current 40mph limit in Burley Road by the end of this financial year.

Councillors at parish and district level have all said how badly they were shocked at hearing of Aarron's death.

Now Cllr Mel Kendal, Hampshire County Council's executive member for environment, has said: "This is a tragic incident and our deepest sympathies go out to the family.

"We try very hard to make our roads as safe as possible and take positive action to address any trouble spots.

"Improvements to signing and markings in Bransgore were made some years ago resulting in a significant reduction in injury accidents.

"Until police have concluded their investigations, however, we are unable to comment specifically on this particular case.

"Before this recent tragedy, no injury accidents had been recorded since September 2005.

"The Casualty Reduction Partnership between the county council, district council and police will be considering the police findings of course, as part of the ongoing assessment of all locations where serious accidents have occurred."

A statement from New Forest District Council transportation department said: "The CRP examination will include the crash circumstances, the accident history of the site and road conditions and will put forward remedial measures as appropriate, once the police have concluded their initial investigation and report of the site."