A ROAD safety plan designed to save lives and cut noise on the A419 has received council backing.

A 26-point plan produced by the Government's road authority the Highways Agency was welcomed by councillors at the transport, environment and neighbourhood commission.

Members gave strong priority backing to eight points in the plan.

They were:

Implement safety improvements in Blunsdon as identified in the study

Provide safe facilities for people who want to cross the road

Examine and improve the facilities for HGVs using the road

Improve bus-stop facilities by liaising with local companies

Improve road signs

Reduce traffic noise for residents living in the area

Improve safety of junction 15 to the M4 motorway

Introduce a strategy to restrict and calm traffic on minor roads.

The A417/A419 is one of Swindon's busiest roads. It links the town with Cirencester and Gloucester and connects the M4 to the M5. The Highways Agency plan was produced following a public campaign sparked by a series of fatal accidents on the road.

After the latest earlier this year Wiltshire coroner David Masters alerted the government to the dangers faced by people walking near the carriageways. Blunsdon residents had also complained about the noise and air pollution they have suffered for decades.