SAFETY improvements are being carried out at an accident blackspot where a cycle safety campaigner was killed earlier this year.

Former university lecturer Mark Brummell was exploring the New Forest in May when he was in collision with a Renault Megane at Ipley Crossroads.

Two months later a pillion passenger on a Yamaha bike was seriously injured in an accident with a van at the same spot.

Road markings Now Hampshire County Council is spending thousands of pounds on new markings and better road surfaces in a bid to make the crossroads safer.

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Following the fatal accident an investigation was carried out by the county council’s casualty reduction partnership, which includes Hampshire Constabulary.

“The partnership reviewed the road’s surfacing and markings as part of the investigation.

“As a result we are introducing measures designed to slow vehicles approaching the junction from the side roads. Grey, high-friction surfacing will be laid on top of the existing buff-coloured surfacing to provide ‘rumble’ strips, which will act as a countdown to the ‘Give Way’ signs.”

Cllr Kendal said the county council would also use a combination of red and grey surfacing to highlight ‘Give Way’ markings.

He added that the word ‘SLOW’ would be painted on the road to give drivers extra warning of the junction.

Mr Brummell was a member of Southampton Cycling Campaign. He joined the physics department at the University of Southampton in the late 1980s but took early retirement about ten years ago because of ill health.

The 53-year-old spent much of his time maintaining and restoring cycles at his home in Atherley Road, Southampton.

Following his death a bicycle painted white was left at the scene of the tragedy but has since been removed. So-called “Ghost Bikes” have appeared elsewhere after fatal crashes involving cyclists. They are memorials which are meant to encourage motorists to take extra care near bikes.