Residents of a Southampton road are calling for action after it started being used as a “rat-run” by rush-hour commuters.

Householders in Channels Farm Road are appealing for a lower speed limit to counter the swell of traffic in the mornings and evenings.

Bob Painton, Swaythling ward councillor, said: “It looks like motorists are taking a shortcut to access Stoneham Lane, which bypasses the big M27 roundabout and offers a quicker route to Eastleigh and beyond.

“It has become very apparent there is a serious road safety issue with Channels Farm Road being used as a rat-run during rush-hour.”

One resident of 15 years said: “As the population of the road is changing, the risk will now increase because there are going to be more youngsters.”

He called on traffic calming measures, including a new 20-mile-per-hour speed limit or speed bumps.

Another resident said: “This is a beautiful community road – to see the level of disregard by speeding commuters is shocking.

“My main concerns are the attitude and speed of these motorists. They show sheer defiance if we try to get them to slow down.”

Residents also reported wing mirrors being knocked off their cars by motorists.

Cllr Painton said: “I am very concerned that there has already been damage done to cars.”

A spokesman for Southampton City Council urged residents to register concerns by contacting actionline@southampton.gov.uk