HIGHWAY chiefs have kept their promise and imposed a new 50mph speed limit on a busy dual carriageway used as a racetrack by bikers.

Hampshire County Council has slashed the 70mph restriction that was in force on a short section of road between two roundabouts at Cadnam in the New Forest.

The dual carriageway has been dubbed a “grand prix circuit”

by groups of bikers who chase each other from one roundabout to the next.

Last month dozens of protesters packed a public meeting and demanded action in the presence of representatives from the county council, New Forest District Council and the National Park Authority.

Cllr Mel Kendal, the county council’s executive member for environment, pledged to cut the speed limit in a bid to deter reckless riders.

Now the authority has kept its word and introduced a temporary 50mph restriction, which is due to be followed by a permanent reduction once the scheme has been formally advertised.

Traffic calming measures are being used in a further attempt to make the road safer and police are planning to carry out speed checks.

The road is also sporting “Bikers Think!” signs – a variation of the “Think Bike!”

messages aimed at making motorists more aware of motorcyclists.

People living and working near the road have praised the county council’s actions.

One person, who asked not to be named, said: “Residents are delighted that the work agreed at the public meeting is being carried out. After years of campaigning we’ve finally been listened to and our complaints acted upon.”

Villagers who attended the meeting warned that feelings were running high, partly because of the deafening noise made by the motorcyclists.

They said one resident refused to help an injured biker who had fallen from his machine and another blocked the road with his car after being woken up at 6am on a Sunday.

Cllr Kendal said it was a “miracle” that only one injury accident on the road had been reported in the past three years.