HIGHWAYS chiefs have revealed plans to cut the speed limit on a dangerous stretch of Hampshire road.

But residents who collected hundreds of signatures begging for cars to be slowed down on the B2177 Winchester Road say the move does not go far enough.

The rural Waltham Chase to Bishop's Waltham road is currently subject to a national speed limit of 60 mph.

Hampshire engineers are considering reducing the speed to 50 mph on the winding stretch of the road between the two villages.

But resident Mike Lamb, who lives on the road, says he will remain fearful for the safety of his children until the speed limit is further reduced.

Jack, aged four, and Evie, aged three, are not allowed anywhere near the road at the bottom of their drive.

He said: "I want my kids to go out on their bikes and be able to ride their horse without cars screaming up behind them, but I live in fear of it.

"Residents here all live in fear that one of the kids or their friends will get caught up in an accident.

"It's all families along here and the road is unusable. You can't walk down that road. You certainly can't wait at the side of a road with a buggy while a juggernaut flies past at 60mph.

"People locally have almost adopted a reduced speed, but this is still a rat-run from Winchester to the Midlands. Lorries rattle along there at incredible speeds. It's unbelievable. We're pleased this is being considered, but we'll keep pushing. It's got to be 40. That would be a better compromise."

Winchester MP Mark Oaten approached Hampshire highways engineers in a bid to cut the speed limit after receiving pages of petitions from Mr Lamb.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman confirmed proposals were at an early stage.

Plans for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) are under way and the lower speed limit will be considered as part of the 2005/2006 programme.