ROMSEY’S MP is calling on road chiefs to lower the speed limit on a country lane on the eastern edge of the town.

Caroline Nokes wants to see the existing 40mph limit on Highwood Lane reduced to 30mph to make it safer for pedestrians and others who regular use it as a shortcut between the A3090 at Crampmoor and the A27 at Whitenap.

“This is an increasingly busy stretch of road,” said Ms Nokes.

“It is unlit for much of its length, there is only a footpath in part, although HCC and TVBC have worked hard in recent years extending the footpath, and there is a school. It seems to me a cast iron case for lowering the speed limit. It was good to get the 40mph limit in a few years ago and the width restriction but now we really do want a 30mph to go along with the other road safety improvements that are proposed.”

The MP has been in talks with residents living along the lane about problems with speeding traffic.

Romsey Extra Parish Council chairman Chris Wesson welcomed Ms Nokes’ intervention in the issue.

Mr Wesson said: “Local people are very concerned about the speed of traffic along Highwood Lane. A lot of people are behaving themselves and are keeping to the 40mph speed but some aren’t. If it could be brought down to 30mph it would be good news.

“The parish council has been looking at what traffic-calming measures can be introduced for some time and has been in consultation with HCC and local residents.”

He added that the sharp bend outside Stroud School was particularly dangerous and anything that could be done to slow motorists down would be welcome.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson confirmed that the authority was considering the request for a lower speed limit along Highwood Lane and will be looking to see whether a reduced limit would be effective in the area.