CAMPAIGNERS calling for a reduction in the speed limit on the A31 have set a provisional date for their meeting with the roads minister.

Ringwood councillors and New Forest MP Desmond Swayne are expected to meet with MP Stephen Hammond to discuss safety measures on the notorious stretch of road from Picket Post to Ashley Heath.

A date of Monday, May 13, has been set, subject to confirmation.

The meeting follows the death of Ringwood teenager Jade Clark, inset above, who died in a collision on the road in February.

Last year, town councillors raised a 1,000-name petition protesting about the ‘appalling’ accident rate on the busy dual carriageway.

Members want the 70mph speed limit between Picket Post and the Ashley Heath roundabout to be cut to 50mph following a spate of horrendous crashes.

But previous calls to reduce the speed limit have been rejected by the Highways Agency, who say not enough motorists have been injured to justify a reduction in the 70mph speed limit.

At Wednesday night’s full council meeting, the arrangements for the top meeting were discussed.

Cllr Michael Thierry, who has spearheaded the campaign, said four councillors were expected to attend, along with the minister and Highways Agency representatives.

“Hopefully, it will be a very, very useful and meaningful discussion”, he said.

“I do not really feel he can invite us and then us come away with an empty basket.

“I really feel there are things he can do and look at. People I’ve spoken to have been complimenting the town council on their perseverance.

“But it is a fact that once we’ve seen the road minister, that is the end of the road.

“We will have exhausted the options. This is why this is such an important meeting and we are looking for some positive outcomes.

“Ringwood town council is a very, very small council and in terms of authorities it is really right down there in the lower leagues.

“But the obvious issues with the A31 are the reason we have this meeting set up.”