THE TWO men in charge of police in Hampshire and Dorset will come together to discuss slowing speeds on a major road which was the scene of a teenager's death.

Campaigners calling for a reduction of the speed limit on the A31 in the New Forest following the death of Jade Clarke will get the chance to make their case to two of the region's police crime commissioners.

Hampshire PCC Simon Hayes and Dorest PCC Martyn Underhill will both attend a vital meeting next Tuesday in Ringwood to discuss safety measures on the road.

It comes two months after 16-year-old Jade, from Ringwood, was killed in a collision on that same stretch of road.

They will be joined by three Ringwood Town councillors, who will be joining New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne to meet the transport minister a week later on May 13.

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.

Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, said: “As a priority within my Police and Crime Plan, I want to ensure the Constabulary and partners continue to focus on and prioritise matters of road safety.

“In attending this meeting, I will have a far greater understanding around the road safety issues associated with the A31 and how these may be improved. Where it is appropriate to do so, I will add my full endorsement to any measures that might be implemented to help make the road safer.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset Martyn Underhill added: “For many years there have been certain blackspots on the A31.

“It is now a matter of urgency we get safety on the road reviewed. I want the Department for Transport, the Highways Agency, and Dorset County Council to work together on a scheme to improve road safety.

“The A31 is an extremely busy road - not just for commuters and local motorists but also for holidaymakers and overseas visitors. There can be no room for complacency and we have got to look at safety improvements.

“Road fatalities are not just statistics, they are someone's family. They are real lives cut short. That is why I am calling for action to improve road safety on the A31.”

The meeting will be held at Ringwood Gateway from 4.30pm