THREE people were rushed to hospital after a head-on collision on a major Hampshire road.

Air ambulances, a hazardous area response team and two fire engines were all called to the two-car collision on the Marchwood bypass at 1.19pm on Friday.

One person was left trapped in their vehicle until firefighters could cut them free.

An elderly woman, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, was rushed to Southampton hospital with potentially serious injuries while the driver of the car, a female in her 50s, sustained minor injuries.

The driver of the second car, a male in his 30s, also sustained minor injuries in the crash, which happened in the 50 miles per hour section of the A326.

Chairman of the Marchwood Parish Council, Cllr Fred White, has now called for the speeds on the road to be more rigorously enforced.

Cllr White said: “Drivers need to slow down; the road attracts a lot of traffic. For the long-term benefit, it needs to be reviewed as the Waterside is continually growing. 

“I know police have a lot to do but the speed limits need to be enforced rigorously.

“The surrounding developments mean that a dual carriageway may now be the only viable solution. Given the proper planning, I can’t see any other option for the road.”

The crash closed the road for three hours until police left the scene around 4.30pm, seeing delays pile up for home-time commuters.

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary said: “Police were called at 1.21pm to reports of a collision on the Marchwood Bypass, with a Seat Ibiza and a Toyota involved. 

“The road was closed at the Dibden roundabout and traffic and traffic was diverted through Marchwood village.”