RESIDENTS are demanding action after a lorry crash brought chaos on a Hampshire road.

Those living in Totton are calling for action to be taken after a lorry brought rush-hours traffic to a standstill on a busy Totton bypass yesterday.

The vehicle fell on its side at Rushington roundabout and crashed into the fence of a nearby footpath.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, other lorries were involved in accidents at the same spot.

Mike Brown, 67, retired, from Totton, said: “It always happens at this corner. It’s too coincidental that happens at the same place.

“I hope they will do something about it. This is the fourth time this has happened in the last three years. If this was a tank and exploded dozens of houses around here would have been severely damaged.”

Mr Brown said that he will report the accident to the local resident’s association.

“I think speed limit should be reduced. I am scared and most of the residents are scared that one day one of these vehicles will just explode,”he added.

County councillor David Harrison, who represents Totton South, said: “ Once again the cause will have to be properly investigated but judging by previous incidents it may be related to an insecure load in the container. The containers are sealed and when the drivers pick them up they don’t know what’s in there and are not allowed to open up the containers.

“I have asked for a meeting with the highways manager at Hampshire County council to see if we can do anything to reduce the danger of similar incidents in the future.”

The lorry was one of the Paul Mead Transport. Company owner Paul Mead, said:“I don’t believe it is a driver error. I believe it is a container error. The way that the container was loaded contributed to the accident,”he added.

Mr Mead said that the driver was not taken to hospital and has now taken some days off to recover at home.

Residents are now hoping that action will be taken to stop similar accidents.

Raymond Leigh, 48, floor layer, from Totton, said: “ The speed limit should be reduced and traffic lights would help. I don’t feel safe walking or cycling on this footpath or on the roundabout overall.”

The incident caused lengthy delays heading north on the M3 between Eastleigh and Winchester and the M27 in both directions between West End and Whiteley.