HIGHWAY bosses are being urged to re-examine a long-running traffic issue after drivers were halted by a one-man protest.

People using a narrow lane in the Hampshire countryside were confronted by a village vigilante who placed a Police Slow sign in the road to stop through traffic.

He took the law into his own hands after losing patience with drivers who ignore the “access only” notices at Frys Lane in Everton.

Police were called to the protest and persuaded the lone campaigner to hand over the sign.

Last night a police spokesman said no further incidents were reported, adding that the man would not be prosecuted.

“He was spoken to by police and given advice about his behaviour. He understood and was compliant, returning the sign without resistance,” he said.

His protest, which lasted more than two hours, was aimed at stopping people from using Frys Lane to get from Wainsford Road to Everton Road.

One woman who took to social media said: “Very intimidating for lone drivers, who had to stop and turn around to find other route.”

Last night people living in the area stopped short of condoning his attempt to stop the traffic.

But they praised him for drawing attention to traffic issues and urged highway chiefs to take a fresh look at the problem.

David Ironside, chairman of Hordle Parish Council added: “Frys Lane is a very narrow country lane that tends to be used as a rat-run by people who drive too fast, thus creating a safety issue.

“We have suggested various options over the years.

“However, residents wouldn’t want us to close one end of the road and I can’t see a way of widening it because there are houses on both sides.

“If there was a simple solution I’m sure it would have been implemented by now.”

A parish council spokesman added: “We have previously been made aware of concerns by some local residents about cars using Frys Lane and other routes that are meant to be access only.

“We take the issue of speeding and traffic in general very seriously, which is why we have set up SpeedWatch with local volunteers.”

No-one from Hampshire County Council was available for comment.