A petition has been launched amid growing anger about the wait for desperately needed safety improvements at an accident blackspot in Petersfield.

There were sadly familiar scenes at the north east corner of the Heath yesterday morning as two vehicles were damaged following a collision at the Pulens Lane and Durford Road crossroads.

Although thankfully no-one was killed or seriously injured, the collision forced one of the two hatchbacks off the road with police, ambulance and fire crews attending.

While there has been plenty of speculation about the cause, the collision was not a one-off with at least two taking place within the last month.

The collision – the latest in a very long line of incidents at the junction – has been the final straw for many residents waiting for safety improvements to be implemented.

Durford Road Crossroads Petersfield
The junction on Pulens Lane was closed for much of the morning. (Tindle/Marcuc McQuilton)

A scheme by Hampshire County Council is ready to go but the wait goes on for a start date, with October or later being the latest guess, much to the frustration of councillors and residents.

While HCC will implement the scheme, a petition calling on EHDC to Improve Safety at the Pulens Lane crossroads was launched yesterday morning with more than 400 signing within 24 hours.

“There must have been at least four accidents which I have seen at this crossing this last year alone, with multiple others in previous years,” said its founder, who got in touch with the Post yesterday lunchtime.

“As a local resident it is really upsetting to see these incidents happen over and over, and I think of the emotional, physical and financial cost to those impacted.

Pulens Lane Speeding
Not everyone adheres to the 30mph limit on Pulens Lane... (Pulens Lane Facebook group)

“The council’s proposed changes to improve safety of this known dangerous crossing were meant to be happening last year but nothing has emerged.

“It’s awful they have dragged their feet on this so much, yet people have literally died while they do so.”

Meetings are scheduled for today while East Petersfield residents have been informed of a campaign launch, with details being shared through social media.

More in next week’s Post, the petition can be found at: https://c.org/GytmLdM4vH