RESIDENTS are calling for a wider reduction to the speed limit in Ringwood.

A proposal has been submitted by Hampshire County Council to reduce the speed limit on three narrow roads.

The plan would see the 40 miles per hour limit reduced to 30 miles per hour on three roads in an attempt to improve safety.

One of the roads was the site of a fatal accident last week.

Jasper Collins, 21, died in hospital following the single vehicle collision on Crow Lane, shortly before 2am on Tuesday August 8.

It is not known what caused the accident, but residents have been campaigning for lower speed limits in the area for some time.

Hampshire County Council's plans seek to reduce the speed limit on stretches of Crow Lane, Crow Arch Lane and Hightown Road.

However after residents voiced their concerns, Ringwood Town Council's planning committee is recommending a 30 mile per hour speed limit be introduced on the entire length of Crow Lane, Moortown Lane, Hightown Hill, Crow Hill and Nouale Lane.

Cllr Chris Treleaven, chair of the planning committee, said: "The tragic news of the young man who passed away is really sad to hear.

"We do not know if any traffic management could have helped in this case, but the speed limit reduction is something which our town council fully supports.

"They're narrow lanes and the traffic is increasing as it is and then there are the proposed developments in the district council's housing plan which could see a lot more houses in the area.

"The district council's assessment suggests traffic management measures will be enough to deal with the increase in traffic. We may well challenge this view.

"We're planning to have our own assessment carried out once the plan is released later this year."

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said: "I was very sorry to hear of this tragic accident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who lost his life.

"The circumstances of the accident will be investigated through the Casualty Reduction Partnership which includes Hampshire County Council, the police and New Forest District Council.

“Consultation on proposed speed limit changes on Crow Lane, Crow Arch Land and Hightown Road began on 27 July and ran until 11 August.

"A lower speed limit - from 40mph to 30mph - has been proposed because, in addition to the existing houses on Crow Land and Crow Arch Lane, more housing is anticipated along with improved pedestrian facilities and more vehicle links.

"Speed surveys show that the average vehicle speed in Crow Lane and Crow Arch Lane are between 30mph and 32mph, and the reduction will help improve the overall safety of the area."