The A34 presents central and local government with a significant and expensive problem -- but where is the political will to solve it?

It has evolved into a major north-south artery for trade and is now bursting at the seams with quantities of traffic which far outstrip its natural capacity.

You need only read the fearful comments of local motorists to realise what an ordeal it is to risk joining the river of thundering HGVs and coaches at many times of the day and night.

It is no joke travelling in a car at 60mph or more while sandwiched between two juggernauts, with traffic to your right and just a crash barrier (no hard shoulder) to your left.

We need to see evidence of joined-up thinking between the different agencies who have a say in its future.

It is unthinkable that major change may be more than a decade away.

We need evidence of a clear strategy to significantly reduce the annual toll of deaths and delays for good.