Lucky escapes for drivers after dramatic crashes on the A31 near Ringwood

TWO motorists escaped serious injury in dramatic collisions on the A31 near Ringwood within just over 48 hours.

Paramedics and police responded to the first incident in which a Mini rolled onto its side, throwing the driver out, on the eastbound carriageway just after 5.30am on Saturday.

The driver was taken to hospital, although a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson described their injuries as minor.

Enquiries have continued into the incident, which blocked one lane between the B3081 Verwood Road and the A338 Salisbury Road. No delays were reported.

Firefighters from Ringwood also attended.

Morning rush-hour disruption ensued on Monday after a motorist lost control of their vehicle in standing water and spun it on the westbound carriageway between Burley services and the A338.

The driver was unhurt, but three miles of congestion and half-hour delays were reported as police initially closed the whole carriageway at around 9am.

Vehicles used the road into the services to pass the scene before one lane was reopened by 10am and the carriageway cleared by 11am.

A tweet by the Hampshire roads policing unit said: “Lesson learned today – drive to the road conditions.”