TWO roads in Highcliffe and Walkford could have their speed limits reduced following safety concerns raised by residents.

Stretches of Lymington Road and Ringwood Road could be reduced from 40mph to 30mph, if approved by BCP Council.

The section on Lymington Road runs from the Chewton Bunny roundabout to Chewton Common Road, while the section of Ringwood Road runs from Chewton Bunny Roundabout to the junction with Walkford Road.

Highcliffe and Walkford ward councillor Andy Martin said he can see “no reason why those sections should be 40mph when it is 30mph along the rest of the two routes”.

He added the stretches of road are “quite short but both have issues”.

Cllr Martin told the Daily Echo: “There are lots of new properties and flat developments on the Ringwood Road.

“Lots of people are finding it really difficult to get out of their properties, and its difficult to come out by the blind bend there, especially if people are going at 40mph or higher.

“So, I thought it was dangerous.

“Equally, along the Lymington Road, there’s assisted living and retirement living - there’s lots of elderly people who want to cross the road there and its difficult when cars are speeding.”

Cllr Martin said the speed limits were brought to his attention early in 2023, with residents “very concerned about speeding traffic and general road safety”.

He added: “I must have had 100 emails and I responded to everyone, particularly on the Ringwood Road. I went to see some of the residents.

“I asked the traffic team to look into it. They were brilliant. I raised it with them in February following meetings and representations from residents, and they did the survey, advertising and consultation.

“They agreed changing the speed limits was something they ought to do.

“Now, it’s coming to cabinet on Wednesday, February 7, and will be implemented subject to cabinet supporting it, which I hope they will.”

Proposals for reduced speed limits go beyond Highcliffe and Walkford; last week deputy council leader Millie Earl said it was BCP Council’s intention to make the conurbation’s roads a default 20mph limit.

“There will be some roads that are exempt on the basis of need and capacity”, she said.