emands have been made for the fence to be raised at the bridge over the A3(M) at Bedhampton after yet another tragedy in the early hours of yesterday.

A 28-year-old man, who is thought to live locally, was found lying dead on the motorway at junction five of the northbound A3(M) just after 2am.

The man, who has not yet been named by police, had apparently driven up to Portsdown Hill Road bridge.

His Volkswagen Polo car was later recovered by police.

But the Samaritans, who have signs up on the bridge with a helpline number, want to put an end to the tragedies.

They think the six-foot fence should be raised a few feet to make it more difficult for anyone to climb.

Portsmouth MP Sarah McCarthy-Fry has vowed to write to the Department of Transport to ask for improvements to the bridge.

There are currently gaps at either end of the structure, which allow people to walk onto the ledge.

The deputy director of Portsmouth Samaritans, known as Les, told The News: 'I think that making the fence higher would make a difference.

'I think that making either end more secure would help too.'

But he added: 'If anyone is determined enough to jump, then they will.

'They could get a step ladder.

'The only thing that we can do is to try to make it as unattractive and uninviting as possible for people.'

Sarah McCarthy-Fry said: 'I will certainly make inquiries and be asking what the maintenance schedule is for this bridge and when it was last inspected.'

There have been eight attempted suicides since January and two suicides within the past three years.

Police are still investigating whether the man jumped or fell but suspicious circumstances have been ruled out.

Police themselves have voiced their concern that the bridge was not secure enough.

Bedhampton PC Rob Swift-Simmons said that the bridge had become the 'place of choice' for people who were depressed and having suicidal feelings.

Signs on the bridge put up by the Samaritans say: 'Desperate, lonely, suicidal?' The organisation confirmed that it had received several calls from people on the bridge during the past year.

jeff.travis@thenews.co.uk