DRIVERS have criticised a new speed limit on a Hampshire commuter route after claiming motorists were not given adequate warning.

The limit on the A35 between Totton and Southampton has been cut from 50mph to 40mph ahead of a scheme to repair the Redbridge Causeway, which carries the road over the River Test.

But critics claim motorists have been taken by surprise - and some are threatening to challenge any tickets they receive for speeding.

Bruce Fielder, of Eling, said the “tiny” signs announcing the temporary new limit were hard to see – especially when cars were surrounded by high-sided lorries.

He added: “I’m worried I’ll get a ticket and I know of several other people who fear they might have been caught as well. If I get a ticket I’ll challenge it.”

The new limit has been brought in by Hampshire County Council, but New Forest District Council has also been involved in the process. 

Mr Fielder said: “The district council says drivers were notified – but if you don’t go on their website how is that notification? Not everyone has access to the Internet.

“The person I spoke to at the council sounded very sheepish and actually put the phone down on me.”

But county councillor David Harrison, who represents Totton South, said: “The necessary Traffic Regulation Order would have been published and advertised in the usual manner, and I used social media to let people know about the new limit.

“All the signs are up and people must know about the speed camera, which has been there for many, many years. There’s no excuse.”

As reported in the Daily Echo, the speed limit on the A35 between Redbridge Causeway and the Mountbatten Way junction with West Quay Road was reduced from 50mph to 40mph last August. 

The restriction was imposed after a vehicle damaged the parapet on the Redbridge Flyover.

A Southampton City Council spokesman said at the time: “The temporary speed restriction is a precautionary measure until further assessments have been carried out.”

Scroll through the gallery above to see the location of every traffic camera in Southampton.