ROAD safety improvements at the crossroads where two people died in under a month were given the green light by county councillors earlier this year.

Councillors have been battling to make the Horton Inn crossroads safer for “years” amid fears of a fatal crash, and had recently celebrated the approval of new and improved signage warning motorists of the junction.

Ivan Tomlinson, a 59-year-old from Andover, Hampshire, died on Tuesday, May 21, after a collision with a Mercedes Sprinter van at the crossroads on Tuesday night.

On Tuesday, June 11, 23-year-old Sophie Crew was killed when a Mini Cooper was involved in a head-on crash with a coach transporting Queen Elizabeth’s School students in Wimborne. 26 children were injured in the crash.

However, despite rumours among locals that a 30 mile per hour speed limit is set to be imposed in the area, Knowlton Parish Council chairman Jerry Laker said it was unlikely to happen.

He said: “We have had a number of meetings with the Highways authority both on site and elsewhere, and they commissioned a study based around the road.”

Cllr Peter Finney, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “The signage was going to be helpful in improving the understanding of motorists about the type of hazard ahead.”

Scheme starts in October

A SPOKESPERSON from Dorset County Council said about the plans: “We have a scheme planned for the B3078, Horton Inn junction.

“This is due in October 2013, and includes improvements to lining and signing.

“There will be vehicle-activated signing and anti-skid surfacing included, but not a 30 mile per hour speed limit.”