Overview
- The hazard on the A303 entry slip toward the M3 near Popham began striking vehicles around 7pm on 8 January, with traffic officers arriving at 7:18pm.
- Initial reports counted at least 14 damaged cars, while ITV later reported more than 30 vehicles with burst tyres and some buckled wheels, leaving many waiting for hours.
- Maintenance crews repaired the immediate defect overnight, but the inner lane remained closed on Friday for safety checks and assessments.
- Hampshire Highways, the AA, recovery vehicles and mobile tyre fitters assisted stranded motorists on the hard shoulder as a line of disabled cars formed.
- National Highways attributed an earlier repair failure to adverse weather from Storm Goretti and reiterated its standard to fix safety defects within 24 hours, with public reporting channels available.