It's probably true to say, that we at STAG have more experience of the west bound queues on the A303 than anyone else following this blog. Today, was just like any other public/school holiday when we were yet again, out at our usual pitch at West Amesbury and we have done this for about a year, handing out the flyers and cheering all the occupants of "stuck" vehicles most of whom are happy to take our flyer and wish us luck for the future of our campaign! In just over an hour of campaigning, the signatures start pouring into our petition to support us in getting the A303 fixed at the section around Stonehenge, and beyond to Winterbourne Stoke......where.....the first toilet is likely to be available to car passengers who'd planned their journey, taking a certain length of time and didn't stop at Solstice Park. What they had not planned for, was the queue they must join from the top of Beacon Hill all the way to the single section of carriageway at Stonehenge Bottom - some 4.5miles and today, as per normal, this was taking an hour!!! This problem arose, when the A344 along side Stonehenge, was closed prior to fixing the A303, and now the A303 cannot accomodate the extra quantity of vehicles - some 6000 per day that normally used the A344, now have no choice, but to use the A303!
The Peeps in their cars, are getting very fed up but usually in good spirit considering they've been stuck for an hour. However, there are those in the foulest of moods which has the effect of them keeping their windows tightly closed, heads turned away and the driver stepping on the gas to avoid taking the flyer.....just to join the queue some 10 meters ahead....what is the point?....they can see the break lights!
And to get back to ....... toilet problems - a subject some are reluctant to talk about ....hey! it's normal and it happens!.....before leaving home, one could hook up one of these little trailers with the pink seat.......but maybe not!
Anyway, STAG has a cunning plan, and it's that if we're in this for the long haul, the Highways agency
could install a set of porta loos on the west bound carriageway
off the "strawberry layby" where they store their grit.....
with a few more weeds and bushes allowed to get out of control, this would make things quite private in there.
We know it's already being used, because this little fella' was found there this weekend and is missing his mate.....We think Mum or Dad stopped for a "potty stop" and he's been left behind. He's in good hands until claimed!
They could install one of those mobile signs just before Solstice Park advising of the opportunity to use this service area, saying......
NEXT SERVICE AREA - WINTERBOURNE STOKE - 7 MILES
OR ONE AND A HALF HOURS!!
Our petition can be signed at: www.sh2.co.uk Thanks for taking the time to read this and Highways Agency - take note please!
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