Heavy traffic in Whiteparish led to fears of accident or even tragedy. 3/2/5A DAY after the Salisbury Journal highlighted traffic fears facing Whiteparish, temporary lights have been installed in the village.

Since the closure of the busy A36 Southampton-Salisbury trunk road, vehicles have been diverted along the A27 and A3090 to join up with the M27.

Last week, Salisbury MP Robert Key and Whiteparish district councillor Leo Randall condemned the diversion route, saying the village could not cope with the increased traffic thundering through its narrow lanes.

Some worried residents feared the diversion would lead to tragedy, after seeing large trucks forced to mount pavements in order to pass each other.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "Temporary traffic lights were installed at Whiteparish on Friday to alleviate congestion through the village.

"The Highways Agency consulted with the police and local highway authorities to agree the diversion routes.

"While we appreciate that the closure of the trunk road is a major disruption to the local area, the decision was not taken lightly and there was no other safe and practical alternative in order to carry out the essential works."