National Highways have responded to an Oxford MP’s calls for rapid action to improve safety the of the A34, after the number of accidents on the road left her “very worried”.

On December 30, Oxford East MP Annelise Dodds called on Nick Harris chief of National Highways, the organisation which maintains and improves England's motorways and major A-roads, to speed up work on the major trunk road.

In a set sent to National Highways she said she was “deeply concerned” and “very worried” about the road – which forms part of Oxford’s ring road.

READ MORE: Oxford MP Annelise Dodds urges National Highways to improve A34

A number of politicians also expressed safety concerns about the A34 after the Oxford Mail revealed there had been more than 10 serious accidents in December.

Oxford city councillor Susanna Pressel, who represents Osney and St Thomas Ward, described congestion on the Botley Road as “dreadful” due to accidents on the A34.

National Highways response has come from executive director of operations Duncan Smith, opposite to Mr Harris.

The response letter reads: “ Safety is our main imperative and we take the safety of all road users very seriously.

“I am aware of the incidents you refer to in your email, however I am unable to comment further on their possible cause until appropriate investigations have been carried out by the police. I would like to assure you that we are continuing to support these investigations in any way we can, and once they have concluded we will carefully review the findings.

READ MORE: Oxford politicians speak out over A34 safety concerns

“We are currently undertaking a study to explore opportunities to reduce congestion and improve safety on the A34 between the M4 and M40. Although this study is at an early stage, we expect to move to the next stage (options selection) very soon, in which case a public consultation will take place.

“Further details of the project and its progress, along with the option to sign up to receive updates, can be found at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/a34-improvements north-and-south-of-oxford/

“Should any urgent safety improvements be identified while we are in the process of undertaking this study, we will take these into consideration.

“Our project team will contact you again shortly to keep you up to date with progress." 

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