A STRETCH of road which has been the scene of a string of fatal car crashes has got new safety markings.

Jack Varney, 19, and Rhys Roberts, 21, both from Didcot, died when the car they were in crashed into a wall on the A4130 at Hadden Hill on May 28 last year.

An inquest heard later that the two men had been drinking alcohol and taking drugs before the crash.

After the inquest Moreton county councillor Patrick Greene campaigned for new road safety measures.

Now 40mph markings – known as roundels – have been painted on the road to remind drivers of the speed limit.

Retired engineer Mr Greene, who lives in North Moreton with his wife Mary, said: “This was a particularly tragic accident, but there have been a number of crashes on this stretch over the years.

“The 40mph speed limit, which was introduced several years ago, has helped to make the road safer.

“I was able to use about £1,000 from county council area stewardship funding to get the roundels installed.”

The roundels, between the Long Wittenham crossroads and the Tesco roundabout on the A4130, are one of a number of improvements in the area over the past 18 months.

A 30mph roundel has also been added to remind drivers heading from Hadden Hill towards Didcot that the speed limit changes near the Tesco roundabout.

The stewardship fund, introduced about 18 months ago, divided a £1m pot of cash between councillors to pay for highways work requested by constituents.

Mr Greene said parish councils in his division added a total of £16,350 to £50,000 from his stewardship fund allocation, to create a budget for highways improvements of £66,350.

And he added £10,000 had been allocated towards a £62,000 project to make the Church Road bridge in Cholsey one-way for traffic.

This is designed to help pupils and parents at Cholsey Primary School in Church Road get to school more safely.

Mr Greene added: “I’m hoping these improvements will take place next month. There will be traffic lights and a designated pathway for pedestrians to walk safely.

“This is particularly important for pupils from Cholsey Primary School and their parents walking from the church car park over the bridge to school and back.”

Heather Haigh, headteacher of the 250-pupil primary school, welcomed the move.

Other improvements include vehicle-triggered 30mph speed signs, which cost £6,000 each, at five locations including Long Wittenham, and New Road, East Hagbourne.