A high-speed section of the A31 road has claimed another life, just days before the installation of new crash-barriers.

Matthew Hole (25), of Bridge Road, Alresford, was killed at 1.30am on Saturday. His J-reg white Rover left the road on a left-hand bend, 1.5 miles east of the Percy Hobbs roundabout.

Police said the car struck a gully on the left verge and overturned. No other vehicles were involved. Fire and rescue crews were called, but Mr Hole was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the three years to November, 2002, there were 31 accidents on the A31 between the Spitfire roundabout near the M3 motorway and the B3047 roundabout near Alresford. Two people died, three people sustained serious injuries, with 38 minor injuries.

The decision to install barriers at four points between Winchester and Alton at a cost of £200,000 was taken in November.

The section where Mr Hole died is being equipped this week, but only between the carriageways.

Mr Hole was passionate about sport and played in the first team of Tichborne Park Cricket Club.

Anyone with information should call Sgt Andy Timms, on 0845 045 4545.