VILLAGERS are campaigning for the speed limit to be lowered on a road in Colden Common.

Some 150 people have signed a petition asking for 30mph signs to be installed in Church Lane.

County councillor Peter Mason believes that the current 40mph limit is dangerous. He urged colleagues on the Winchester Highway and Transport Advisory Panel to take action.

Cllr Mason, who lives in nearby Hack Drive, said that Church Lane was the only road in the built-up area of Colden Common without a 30mph limit.

He added that the road was particularly dangerous because it had several junctions with residential side streets. He said his own brother-in-law was involved in an accident at one of the junctions a few years ago.

Cllr Mason, who has lived in Colden Common for 33 years, said he now took a longer route to work to avoid Church Lane.

He said an added danger was that several schoolchildren are picked up and dropped off by buses in and around Church Lane.

A report by county council officers presented to the panel said an investigation was under way into whether there was a case for the speed limit to be lowered.

Reports are likely to be available within six months, which will be used to reach a decision, the panel heard.

Last year, the council reduced another speed limit in Colden Common. The £200,000 scheme lowered the speed limit along the B3354 Main Road through the village from 40mph to 30mph.

New gateways were put at the start of the 30mph limit on the approaches to the village from the north and south.

Other traffic measures, including carriageway white lining, pedestrian central islands and traffic islands, were also implemented.

A public consultation carried out showed support for the proposals. The new regulations became active in Main Road in November.