SPEED limits are being slashed on New Forest roads – including a busy dual carriageway that has been dubbed a “grand prix circuit” by bikers.

A temporary 50mph restriction on the A336 at Cadnam is being made permanent as part of the county council’s attempt to stop motorcyclists racing between roundabouts.

Speed limits on other roads in the area are also being reduced in a bid to cut the accident toll.

A 30mph restriction is being imposed on part of the A31 at Cadnam – but not the stretch that links Junction 1 of the M27 with Ringwood.

The new limit will apply to the section that runs parallel with the motorway and is known as Romsey Road.

Motorists are currently able to travel through Cadnam at 40mph.

The 50mph restriction on the Copythorne section of Romsey Road, between its junctions with Pollards Moor Road and Barrow Hill Road, is being reduced to 40mph.

Highway chiefs are also scrapping the 40mph limit on the A336 at nearby Bartley, replacing it with a new 30mph restriction.

The move follows several fatal accidents in the past few years, including a spate of crashes at the crossroads outside the Haywain pub.

A 70mph restriction on the Cadnam section of the A336 was replaced by a temporary 50mph limit last year following complaints about bikers racing each other.

Residents said motorcyclists posting messages on the Internet were boasting about the races and describing the dual carriageway as the Cadnam grand prix circuit.

The 50mph limit will now be made permanent following the review of speed limits in the area.

Councillor Mel Kendal, the county council’s executive member for environment and transport, approved the new limits.