THE grieving family of grandfather John Braithwaite says safety must be improved on the road where he was killed.

The 72-year-old pedestrian died after being in collision with a lorry on the notorious A346 at Ogbourne St George.

Although his family accept that it was a tragic accident, and not caused by driver error, they are all too aware of the road's crash record.

As a retained firefighter, his son Mark, 35, has attended several fatal collisions on the route between Marlborough and Chiseldon.

And his father's death has made him all too aware of what the families of the victims went through.

He would like to see signs put up displaying the number of lives the road has claimed.

"The problem is not the road but the drivers," said the father-of-one, who lives near Marlborough.

"If signs were put up it would really bring home how dangerous it is."

The main problem is the number of hidden dips.

Drivers overtake, believing the road ahead is clear, when oncoming cars are simply hidden from view.

Five people have lost their lives there in the last five years, and another 18 were seriously injured. In November, DJ Travis Bryan who was well-known in Swindon as DJ Truss died there after skidding on black ice.

Mr Braithwaite, a retired engineer of Liddiards Green, Ogbourne St George, was heading out for an afternoon stroll when the accident happened last Monday.

He was crossing the road to get to Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, where he enjoyed walking.

Mr Braithewaite who was married to Cynthia, 70 used to pick up stray golf balls and hand them in to the club.

Walking provided the exercise he needed to stay fit following a stroke.

While he did his National Service in the Army during 1950s he won several awards and remained a keen boxing fan.

After the collision, Mr Braithewaite was taken to Great Western Hospital, where he died on Monday.

A popular character, he was well known in the village, and will be greatly missed.

"My Dad had a soft nature, and was a very kind person," said Mark.

"He will be missed by all who knew him." Mr Braithewaite had another son Chris, 37, and his grandchildren were Luke, Daniel, Patrick and Matthew.

The funeral will be held at Ogbourne St George parish church at a date yet to be announced.

Tamash Lal