A SEPARATE crawler lane for HGVs and average speed cameras could be installed to help improve safety on the A34.

The multi-million pound set of safety measures have been proposed by the county council's transport panel following a number of recent deaths on the road.

Six people have been killed on the A34 already this year, one less than the last five years combined, and it is hoped the measures will improve people's driving and make the road safer.

The measures, which could see drivers issued with tickets for going too fast or three penalty points for leaving the crawler lane, will be put to Highways England - the authority in charge of the road - later this month.

Campaigners said the improvements were 'even more urgent' after it was revealed that Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service cannot reach certain parts of the A34 within their 14 minute target because of congestion.

Michele Paule, from Cowley, lost her mother Pauline Chennells after a multi-vehicle collision on the A34 in 1986. The city councillor and Oxford Brookes University lecturer said: "Whether it's an issue of cost or convenience, the impact on those families who have lost loved ones has not been weighed up.

"Every time I hear about the road or another crash my ears prick up - there was no safety barrier back then and I have lived a parallel life of 'what if' ever since."

Speed cameras, which give out tickets to drivers who travel between them quicker than they should, could be installed between Lodge Hill and Hinksey Hill and around East Ilsley.

The 55-year-old added: "The road is too small and is used as a motorway, there are so many vehicles and many are going too fast.

"A separate lane for lorries and speed cameras are good ideas, and if the emergency services can't get there because of traffic and we need them even more."

In August three-year-old girl Isla Wiggin died, along with her unborn brother Harry, in an eight-vehicle collision on the A34 near the Hinksey Hill Interchange.

A 58-year-old lorry driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released on bail until October 28.

Just two weeks before a mother and three other children were killed in a crash on the A34 near Chilton.

County councillor Stewart Lilly, who sits on the transport advisory panel, has put forward the initial measures, which could be further added to, and demanded action be taken quickly.

He said: "The design of parts of the roads needs changing but equally the standard of people's driving is appalling.

"Either way we can't have any more mothers with young children killed in multiple vehicle pile-ups, whether it be in Oxfordshire, in Berkshire or in Hampshire.

"Oxfordshire contributes around £20bn to the economy and the A34 access is vital to that - let's start seeing some of the money back to help us."

Cathryn Millward, who set up the A34 Action Group, said: "I'm pleased these measures are being put forward but we don't know a timescale.

"There are a number of things which could be done tomorrow to prevent more deaths, such as temporary signs to reduce speed limit."

But Mick Clarke, the council's road safety manager, placed the emphasis on educating drivers.

He said: "There's no such thing as a dangerous road, it's almost always down to human error.

"Having said that there are things that can be done on certain stretches of road, such as warning signs, but it's about getting the right balance."

For the proposals to receive funding and backing from the Department for Transport and Highways England, the county council would need to bid for a pot of cash assigned for safety measures.

The council would need to prove there is a specific need for the measures along the A34.

Highways England spokesman Stuart Miller said: "Safety is our top priority and we look forward to hearing the ideas of Oxfordshire County Council and other bodies including the police.

"We will carefully consider any suggestions that are made."