It is not accurate to say that the Highways Agency has changed its position with regard to the speed limit on the A31.

We continue to keep all aspects of safety on the A31 continually under review as part of our steadfast commitment to maintain and improve safety on our roads.

We made a commitment to review the speed limit on the A31 near Ringwood following a meeting with Ringwood Town Councillors in December 2012.

‘Review’ in this sense means carrying out a detailed study of the road layout and analysis of any incidents that have occurred on it to determine the appropriate speed limit for the road.

The most recent review (carried out in 2010) found that a 70mph speed limit is appropriate for this section of the A31, with no evidence to suggest that a speed limit reduction would provide tangible safety benefits.

We will approach the new review with a completely open mind, but to say that it represents a change of approach or a U-turn is simply not the case.

The Highways Agency understands and shares the genuine concern for road safety being expressed by the councillors.

However, as we have said before, any safety intervention – be it a speed limit or other measure – would have to be backed up by evidence to show it has a worthwhile safety improvement.

Paul Benham, Asset development manager, Highways Agency