CAMPAIGNERS who launched an appeal to cut speed limits on a notorious stretch of Hampshire road have been given a boost by road chiefs.

Highways England has confirmed a study is being carried out to find a way of slashing speeds on the A36.

The stretch of road, between Ower and Landford, has become a hotspot for collisions and a petition was recently started by residents wanting to improve its safety.

Its speed ranges from between national speed limit to 40mph – with a speed camera at Whinwhistle Road in Wellow and a flashing warning sign at Plaitford.

In response to the article last week, a Highways England spokesperson said: “We are undertaking a study to look at concerns raised by the community regarding the speed of vehicles travelling through Wellow and Landford.

"We continuously monitor safety and are working closely with Wiltshire Council and community representatives to discuss the next steps once the study ends in the new year.”

But campaigners say they are disappointed to have to wait until 2017.

Ian Garnett and Colin Johnson from Landford, Wiltshire, have been spearheading the petition in their village.

They have received 47 letters of support from villagers.

Campaign coordinator Ian Garnett says he hopes the talks in the new year are productive.

“The news is a bit disappointing,” admitted Mr Garnett.

“In a way if they are doing a full review then when they have all the facts together that will be the most appropriate time to meet with them.

“But I do still wish we could have got the ball rolling before the end of the year.”

Speaking about the ‘next steps’, Mr Garnett added: “The first step is the speed limit reduction near our houses. We also want some road calming measures.

One recommendation is to move the two lanes closer together and leave room for a cycle lane on one side.

“We would also like to see a safe crossing area. Currently people, mainly children, just wait for a gap in the fast moving traffic and run across. It is very dangerous,” he added.

“Our main goal is to make the road safer for both residents and motorists.”

As previously reported, communities from both sides of the Hampshire/Wiltshire border have made separate calls for tougher measures to curb speeds on the narrow single carriageway.

The calls came as motorists were last week caught in transport chaos when a lorry overturned near Ower and in July when a 23-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a collision near Landford.

Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Roy Perry took the unusual step of supporting residents across the border in Landford running a petition calling for Highways England to reduce the limit from 50mph to 40mph between New Road and Sherfield English Road.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, has also publicly backed the petition.