Marchwood: CCTV camera aims to enforce A326 right-turn ban

The point where Staplewood Lane joins the A326 Marchwood Bypass has been the scene of several crashes - including one in which a 56-year-old biker was killed.

Several years ago traffic joining the A326 from Staplewood Lane was banned from turning right.

The busy T-junction was also modified to make right turns more difficult - but some motorists are continuing to attempt the manoeuvre.

Now a camera operating 24/7 has been installed in a bid to enforce the restriction and prevent more deaths.

A CCTV camera has been installed to enforce the ban on right turns at the junction of Staplewood Lane and the A326 Marchwood Bypass (Image: Newsquest.)

In 2019 a delivery driver was handed a suspended prison sentence after causing a fatal accident at the junction.

Southampton Crown Court heard that Brian Moles was distracted by his Sat Nav and "did not see" a no-right-turn sign. As he pulled across the bypass his vehicle collided with a Harley-Davidson being ridden by Paul Matthews, of Caledonia Drive in Dibden.

READ MORE: Driver 'distracted by his Sat Nav' caused fatal accident at junction of A326 and Staplewood Lane

Moles, 53, of Lyon Street, Southampton, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant, who was driving a Mercedes Sprinter van for catering firm Harvest Foods, had delivered a supply to Southampton Football Club’s training ground shortly before the crash.

After leaving the facility he drove along Staplewood Lane towards the A326.

A driver was handed a suspended prison at Southampton Crown Court for causing a fatal accident at the junction of Staplewood Lane and the A326 Marchwood Bypass (Image: Newsquest.)

Richard Martin, prosecuting, said witnesses saw the van indicate right and begin "creeping out" of the junction. The vehicle collided with Mr Matthews, who suffered “unsurvivable” injuries.

Mitigating, Sushil Kumar told the court that Moles had not deliberately made the illegal manoeuvre.

Judge Peter Henry told him: "You should have taken more care and you should have realised, but I am prepared to accept this was not deliberate. I am going to sentence you on the basis you were distracted and made a terrible error."

Moles was handed a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for four years.

READ MORE: CCTV camera could be installed at junction where biker was killed by van turning right

In February 2022 it was revealed that Hampshire County Council was set to introduce a monitoring system at the junction and issue fixed penalty notices to anyone who flouted the rules.

A county council spokesperson confirmed that a camera had now been installed.

Marchwood county councillor David Harrison told the Daily Echo: "The no-right-turn rule has often been ignored and this has occasionally led to tragic consequences.

"Hopefully, it will deter people from breaking the law and prevent further incidents.”