How bad is the A303?

[Somewhatfoolish]

Driving to Wincanton tomorrow from London. I've heard all sorts of bad things about the A303, especially around stonehenge. Is it so bad that it's worth going via the M4?

I don't really know the south west at all so apologies if this sounds really retarded.

[ewenm]

For Wincanton, A303 would be my choice. Stonehenge is where the dual carriageway ends. It can be bad, it can be fine, but as you aren't going as far as (or beyond) Exeter, I'd still go on the A303.

[CatfishCKY]

It can be bad on weekdays, but I'd say a Sunday wouldn't be too bad! it is literally the bit where the dual carriageway narrows into just a two way round just after Stonehenge, thats the awful bit. The rest of it usually isnt too bad, even during the week when I use it.

[jonstable]

I only ever take it at night, can make some really good progress when it's clear. I usually get stuck behind Doris and Morris on a day out if I take it during the day.

[Somewhatfoolish]

Thanks all

Bonus Question: Any mobile cameras I need to look out for or similar traps?

[davepoth]

Somewhatfoolish said:

Thanks all

Bonus Question: Any mobile cameras I need to look out for or similar traps?

Yes, pretty much the whole DC section is rife - I think I must have seen a camera van in every layby between Basingstoke and Salisbury at some point in the last few years.

[CatfishCKY]

I havent noticed any recently, but I could be wrong! There's the speed cameras by Amesbury/Solstice Park to look out for too

[thecremeegg]

davepoth said:

Yes, pretty much the whole DC section is rife - I think I must have seen a camera van in every layby between Basingstoke and Salisbury at some point in the last few years.

Really? I drive from Stonehenge to the A34 junction every week on varying days and have seen a scamera van once in 6 years

[Farm boy]

I'm biased.
I live on a farm just away from the M3/A303 ie the start of the A303
I get on the 303 sometimes and see that sign 'Exeter 111 miles'
and think... why not.

Say hello as you pass

[H_Kan]

Driven it a few times as we have had to go to Exeter and Plymouth to drop brothers at uni recently. Additionally, we holiday in Devon and Cornwall quite often as well.

Both M4 and A303 are a nightmare during Summer on accomodation change over days, but when I've driven it during the week it's been fine. Aside from a few gatsos, I don't remember seeing much else in terms of speed enforcement.

[jagnet]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Likewise, at 5am on the way to St Ives earlier this year it was a clear run through and a lovely drive. Worth an early start if you can.

When I used to drive to Cornwall every other week (early evening on a Friday) sometimes you'd get lucky and sometimes it'd be a nightmare. My best run through was three hours door to door, my worst was six hours. It was still preferable to the snoozefest that was the M4/M5 run though.

[Deerfoot]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The mobile cameras are very location and time spcific. If there is an event at Thruxton you can bet your bottom dollar that within a few miles of the circuit there will be a van in a layby on the A303.

Sunday morning is another time when the 'safety partnership' like to set up shop. The long hill between the Salisbury/Grately/Tidworth junction and Solstice park is a favourite (in both directions).

I've even seen an unmarked E60 saloon (dark blue) in a central reservation turn off with a camera out of the window before on a Sunday morning. There is also an unmarked A4 Avant (dark blue) that prowls this stretch.

[vescaegg]

Absolutely lovely when clear (early morning, late night) absolute bloody nightmare when busy (weekends generally - especially Sundays heading London bound)

[rallycross]

its a super road just avoid it on bank holidays!

[Frik]

Or at the start of half term. Oops.

[Ozzie Osmond]

A303 should be fine.

Be aware that if you speed on that road you are taking a high risk.

[Matthen]

Do it early or late, never inbetween... You can make outstanding progress if your willing/can afford it... Just slow down at the summit of the hills, specially before solstice. Theres also a spot on the 2nd bit of duel carriageway they like to camp out at... Also, theres a camera on the duel carriageway up charnage hill, so don't blast it up the hill trying to get past a lorry... theres proper duel carriageway 3 miles on, and loads of time to pass everything...

[Harpo]

ewenm said:

Stonehenge is where the dual carriageway ends

You are kidding me!
Not been down that way for about 12 years (lived in Cornwall for about 8 years) and they still haven't sorted that road yet?
There are so many new roads being laid in Europe (Spain and Poland especially)that I see every week ..... all with the exception of Blighty.
We do get the stty end of the stick.

[Deerfoot]

Harpo said:

We do get the stty end of the stick.

Don't worry, millions of pounds have been wasted over the years on feasibility studies with respect to the roads around Stonehenge.

At least the recent work on the Countess roundabout has improved traffic flow.......

[Nuclear Biscuit]

Deerfoot said:

Don't worry, millions of pounds have been wasted over the years on feasibility studies with respect to the roads around Stonehenge.

At least the recent work on the Countess roundabout has improved traffic flow.......

I do that stretch every day, just waiting for the scameras in the new 40 limit, where doing <60 approaching Countess would make you very vulnerable.

Apart from Friday afternoons in the summer, the Stonehenge section mostly isn't too bad.