15396TWO children and their parents were rushed to hospital following a crash on the A36 on Sunday.

The family, believed to be from the Cheddar area, were injured when their Alfa Romeo left the road and overturned in a field at Upton Lovell, near Warminster, at about 4.15pm.

The 37-year-old driver was taken to the Royal United Hospital, in Bath, suffering from neck, back and chest injuries. He is now believed to be in a comfortable condition.

His wife, their eight-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son were taken to Salisbury General Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

No other cars were involved in the accident, which has been blamed on wet weather conditions.

In the past three-and-a-half years 20 people have been killed on the A36 and four have died along the stretch between Codford and Heytesbury, dubbed Death Valley, this year.

Now traffic police and the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership are joining forces to end the carnage.

Sgt Nick Blencowe, of the safety camera unit, said: "The whole of the A36 has a multiple collision history and along this route there are certain areas where we have more problems than others.

"We are looking at it along with the traffic department at Wiltshire Constabulary but the whole route is a priority, not just the areas where there has been recent accidents.

"We are trying to make sure we are carrying out the right enforcement at the right time and work with the Highways Authority to see if the road needs improvements. But nothing can be done overnight."

Sunday's crash happened during heavy rain following weeks of dry weather.

Sgt Blencowe said: "When you have a dry spell you can get a build up of rubber and other deposits so when it rains it can create a slippery film across the road. In these instances drivers should adjust their speed and distances accordingly."

There are no plans to install speed cameras along Death Valley but Wiltshire County Council is bidding for government cash for safety improvements.

Any witnesses to Sunday's crash should contact Westbury traffic police on (01373) 827689.