Officals could reduce the 40mph speed limit on Highwood Lane near Romsey

Officials have indicated that a section of the current 40mph speed limit on Highwood Lane between Halterworth and Botley Road at Luzborough could be reduced.

It follows requests by residents and Romsey Extra Parish Council who have the backing of Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes and Hampshire’s leader Roy Perry.

Mr Perry said that the county’s highways director Stuart Jarvis has agreed to place Highwood Lane – which is used as a rat run between the A3090 at Crampmoor and the A27 at Luzborough – on a list of schemes being considered by road bosses.

He added that Mr Jarvis has “indicated that a 30mph limit on that section of the road with dwellings on either side and close to Stroud School could be expected to achieve a good level of respect” by motorists.

Mr Perry pointed out that Mr Jarvis has also agreed that the “whole length of the lane should be considered in the council’s traffic management programme for a lower limit” and he welcomes the response he’s had to the request.

Roy Perry said: “The flow of traffic along Highwood Lane seems to me to be increasing day by day. I have every sympathy with the residents who live along the lane and I will push as hard as I can to see that we get this 30mph limit. I know Romsey Extra Parish Council is also fully supportive of a lower limit.”

County officials have already agreed to look at installing traffic-calming measures along the lane.