Further calls are being made for more work to be done to improve safety on the A35 in west Dorset.

Local MP Chris Loder met with National Highways to discuss safety and maintenance issues along the A35.

It comes more than a week after a serious crash on the westbound carriageway of the A35 near Litton Cheney involving a black Citroen Relay panel van and a white Mercedes lorry (emergency services at scene, below).

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

A man aged in his 40s from Bournemouth was reported to be medically trapped in the van. He was released from the vehicle and taken to Southampton Hospital for treatment to injuries that are believed to be potentially life-changing. A man aged in his 60s from Wincanton in Somerset was arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and has been released under investigation.

The circumstances of the collision, on November 15, are still being investigated.

There was also a fatal crash on the road near the Monkton Wyld turning on October 31 which is also still being investigated.

Mr Loder said he has identified 'a number of safety issues' on the A35 with National Highways that have been logged and prioritised, including the condition of the road, gullies, white lines, signage and ‘cats eyes’.

Mr Loder said: “There are too many accidents on the A35 and with considerable flooding only last week at Winterbourne Abbas, it's time that National Highways takes this road seriously. My A-road taskforce will continue to push would considerable safety and surface improvements."

Andrew Page-Dove, National Highways South West Regional Director, said: “Our meeting has been in the planning for some time and it was great to be able to facilitate a route drive for the MP on the A35 in west Dorset. It provided an ideal opportunity to get first-hand feedback on the issues he and his constituents consider to be important.

“As part of our continuing commitment to safety, we work closely with Devon County Council, Dorset Council, our police partners and other interested parties to identify and implement measures that will help improve road safety along the route.

“As an example, we have recently completed resurfacing on the A35 at Stinsford and a drainage scheme at the Monkey’s Jump roundabout, with a further drainage scheme scheduled to start at the Max Gate junction next month.

“We carry out routine safety and condition inspections on all our trunk roads. These inspections enable us to plan and prioritise those areas that have the greatest need for maintenance, and included in the inspections are road surface condition, flooding hot spots, the visibility of signs and reflectivity of lines and studs.

“We will continue to work with the MP, partners and communities along the route to ensure the A35 is maintained to a safe standard for all that use it.”