Drivers Banned from Stopping on A303 Verge Near Stonehenge After Chaos
A new temporary traffic order has been slapped on the busy A303 near Stonehenge after a spate of traffic chaos and near-misses. The ban stops vehicles from parking on the grass verge between Parkhouse roundabout and Winterbourne Stoke – in both directions.
Safety Fears Spark New Road Rules
Barney Appleton, Traffic Management and Road Safety Officer from Wiltshire Police, explained the crackdown came after multiple public reports since May 17. Drivers were pulling over on the verge to snap photos of Stonehenge, then wandering along the carriageway.
“This was causing HGVs and other vehicles to swerve into the middle lane,” Appleton said. “We’ve also had reports of drivers pushing back barriers blocking nearby byways on the A303 to park illegally.”
Police Warn: Park Responsibly or Face Consequences
Appleton urged drivers to think twice before stopping in unsafe spots. “We ask all motorists to drive and park safely, legally, and responsibly,” he said.
The police are teaming up with Highways England to monitor the new order’s impact and keep the A303 running safely and smoothly in the weeks ahead.