TRAFFIC-calming measures may be introduced in a New Forest parish plagued by speeding drivers.

But Bramshaw Parish Council has vowed to consult residents before forging ahead with any moves to make motorists slow down.

Council chairman Jack Sturgess issued the pledge after furious Fritham residents complained that traffic-calming could "urbanise" their village.

"We have no intention of spending money unnecessarily - and no intention of imposing anything on you against your wishes," said Mr Sturgess.

"It would be pointless to proceed with something that people don't want."

Traffic-calming was one of the main issues discussed at the parish's annual assembly, held in Fritham Free Church last night.

Fast-moving vehicles have been causing problems at three areas - Fritham, the B3079 near St Peter's Church, Bramshaw, and the junction on the B3079 and B3078 at Brook.

Plans to reduce the danger include a proposal to replace dotted white lines in the centre of roads with continuous lines nearer the edge.

Parish councillors said similar schemes in other parts of the South had reduced the width of roads and encouraged drivers to cut their speed.

Mr Sturgess said: "We believe that white lines along the side of roads have the right psychological effect - they are certainly the cheapest option."

Calls to introduce traffic-calming were backed by Trevor Harris, of Vicarage Cottage, Bramshaw, who said drivers often flouted the 40mph limit.

He said: "I'm consistently overtaken by motorists travelling in excess of 60mph.

"In the past two years two donkeys and a pony have been killed in accidents - something must be done to prevent this appalling carnage."

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