Is this junction at Tufton/A34 any safer? No.

Last December, a local resident (Mr Mike Stead) organised a public meeting where some very legitimate concerns about the dangers at the A34/Tufton road intersection were raised.
This junction is a major route for anyone who wishes to leave Whitchurch in a southerly direction and avoid using the fast dual carriageway A34 trunk road.

A report of that meeting is here:

TUFTON JUNCTION PUBLIC MEETING

This is a popular route
into the surrounding countryside.
(click to enlarge)

Hampshire County Councillor for Whitchurch and Clere, Tom Thacker, was left in no doubt that the present situation was believed to be 'an accident waiting to happen' and promised to investigate some of the ideas. With cycling becoming increasingly popular, more are using this junction as a link into the surrounding countryside but its not just cycling that is affected - the danger is as great for drivers and their families in motor vehicles too.

It is now SEVEN months later and nothing has changed. Neither Hampshire County Council nor the Highways Agency have made any improvements.
The minimum that was hoped for was to place 'barriers' in the slip road to force vehicles coming off the A34 to keep to the correct left hand lane and prevent potentially fatal head-on collisions.
Yet we now have another Summer where lives will continue to be at risk.

This is more than disappointing, but perhaps unsurprising - after all Hampshire has the highest number of KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured) in the whole country according to latest Department for Transport figures.

Vehicles regularly cross the hatching.

Vehicles leaving the A34 continue to go on to the right hand side of the road, crossing the hatching, often at high speed.
This is frightening and potentially lethal to anyone leaving Whitchurch and turning right towards Tufton.

Whether by cycle or motor vehicle the risk of a serious collision is high.

Skid marks showing a near miss (or was it worse?)
and another vehicle crosses into a potential
head on collision position.

And the proof is there to see. There are presently some severe skid marks on the road showing that incidents have taken place, probably with very near misses or worse.
This risk can be reduced so easily and at a relatively low cost, yet it remains. Why?

Update requested
Councillor Thacker has been asked for an update:
"Could you say what actions have been and are to be taken to ensure the safety of the more vulnerable road users?"

Some news on the footpath improvements and other suggestions that were also raised at the meeting would also be welcome.

This initiative started by Mr Stead needs following through before someone is killed.