AN MP has slammed the Home Office's proposed centre for asylum seekers in Hampshire next to the A303 after a pedestrian was killed in an accident on the road.

A 53-year-old man was found between the on and slip on the A303, near Picket Twenty, after police were called at 2.27am on Tuesday.

Officers investigating the case believe that a large goods vehicle was in collision with the man, and did not stop.

As reported, Romsey and Southampton North MP, Caroline Nokes, started a joint petition against the plans for a temporary facility for up to 500 people on Ministry of Defence land at Barton Stacey, which has already attracted more than 3,000 signatures.

Now, the MP is shocked the Home Office appears to be "oblivious" to the need to consider asylum seekers' safety, claiming the department had not informed Highways England about their plans until last week.

Ms Nokes said: "Following the tragic accident on the A303 slip road at Picket Twenty, I have contacted Highways England asking for their reaction to the Home Office’s misguided plan to locate an asylum camp on a similar slip road at nearby Barton Stacey.

"The tragic death of a pedestrian has reminded us all just how dangerous this road is, and I am shocked the Home Office appears oblivious to the need to consider not only the safety of any asylum seekers placed at this camp, but also the safety of road users on this busy dual carriageway."

She added: "As of last week the Home Office had not even informed Highways England about their plans, let alone formally consulted about the highways safety implications."

A spokesperson from the Home Office said: “We are required by law to provide asylum seekers with suitable accommodation and during the pandemic, we have had to secure additional sites.

“We will work with the community to ensure any impacts are addressed."

They added: “We are fixing our broken asylum system to make it firm and fair – and will be bringing forward legislation in the new year.”