'Dangerous' lay-by in Aust finally closed

A campaign to get the Aust wide load lay-by on the A403 closed was started following a fatal accident in July 2013 in which a 20-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a minibus.

This followed an incident in 2006 when a car pulled out from the lay-by in front of a motorcycle - killing the motorcyclist.

Michael Hawkins, chairman of Aust Parish Council, said: “I’m quite relieved that the lay-by has been closed because it was bloody dangerous.”

The lay-by was initially designed a waiting area for wide loads travelling down the road but has since become a hazard for drivers turning out from Aust.

Mr Hawkins added: “The council (Aust Parish Council) sought the closure of the lay-by initially a long time ago.

“The lay-by has never been much use in the first place and there was a lot of concern raised by residents because of the number of 45-tonne trucks driving past.

“The problem is that the road is the only access for a number of commercial sites but hopefully the new junction (on the M49) should help.”

Leader of South Gloucestershire Council and councillor for the Severn Ward Cllr Matthew Riddle welcomed the closure.

He said: “The lay-by is no longer used by the Highway Agency and it causes great difficulties to Aust residents trying pull out to turn right from the Main Road onto the A403.

“Lorries are always parked there illegally, both day and night, and that means visibility for those trying to pull out is greatly cut down.

“I would like to thank all the residents of Aust village who signed a petition I organised and also to thank resident Roger Ford who with me made a presentation to South Gloucestershire Council back in 2013 of the dangers the lay-by caused.

“The only remaining work to do now is the removal of the telephone, which in itself reduces drivers’ visibility.”

The closure of the lay-by followed a public consultation by South Gloucestershire Council.