Sir.-In response to Geoff Semler's letter in The Gazette on Thursday, November 23.

The A33 30mph speed limit is part of a series of roadworks which have been on the cards for more than four years.

Work has already started on the A33/Ringway roundabout to widen the road and install traffic signals.

It has also started on the A33 next to Chineham Park School, putting in new fences and making way for a new cycle track, and work will soon begin on traffic lights at the Popley Way junction.

This work will last for about six months.

The 30mph speed limit has the added advantage of protecting residents as they take their life in their own hands crossing four lanes of speeding traffic from Popley to access the bus stop on the other side of the A33 and MFI.

I find it somewhat hard to believe that Mr Semler is unaware of the many fatalities and serious injury accidents on the A33. It is the most dangerous road in the Basingstoke area, as evidenced by numerous fatalities (not least one in recent months at Spanish Green, not far from where Mr Semler lives).

The A33/Ringway roundabout has had approximately 40 personal injury accidents in the past three years - the highest of any junction in the Basingstoke area.

The roundabout also handles approximately 33,000 vehicles a day - second only to the Black Dam Roundabout.

The high accident rate, coupled with the high traffic volumes, the 2,000 new houses being built in Popley, and the existing rush-hour congestion, are ample justification for the roadworks and the 30mph limit.

Mr Semler should also be aware that police mobile speed cameras are enforcing the speed limit.

Frankly, I'd much rather see 1,000 speeding tickets than another fatality on that road.

-Cllr Andrew McCormick,
Popley East,
Basingstoke.