A BLANKET 30mph New Forest speed limit moved a step nearer yesterday when Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre announced that county council leader Cllr Ken Thornber had put his weight behind it.

The reduction in the speed limit from 40mph, imposed in 1990, on unfenced forest roads to 30mph was mooted by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association in May in a bid to reduce the number of collisions between their animals and vehicles.

Official Verderer Mr Crosthwaite Eyre explained why the Verderers are behind the plan.

“While it is true to say that the number of accidents had reduced last year, which is obviously very good news, we must continue to pursue any measure that might sustain such a reduction,” he said.

“Many of the roads that lead into the forest now have 40 miles per hour limits, and thus the impact on entering an area of much lower speed limits, as was the case in 1990, has vanished.

“Drivers need to know that when they cross the grid and come on to the open forest they are in an area that requires as much care and attention as driving through a village.”

And he said research shows the difference between 30mph and 40mph “greatly increases the driver’s ability to react” and avoid an accident.

“One of the pleasing side effects of such a policy would be the removal of the huge number of signs that have sprung up over the open forest in order to communicate the new 30mph speed limits that exist in many villages and hamlets, with some of these signs only being yards apart.

“These signs are ugly and out of place, and they conflict with both our own and the National Park Authority’s policy on reducing signage.”

He added: “These are the early stages, but we are determined to take this forward.”

Cllr Thornber, who lives in Sway, is currently ill with broken ribs and punctured lung after suffering a fall and could not be contacted.