A SIGN designed to stop speeding drivers in their tracks has been erected in North Baddesley following a spate of complaints lodged by residents.

The speed limiter is now up and running in Rownhams Lane after it was installed "two weeks ago", according to Cllr Alan Dowden, who represents the Baddesley ward on Hampshire County Council (HCC).

The community leader offered North Baddesley Parish Council £1,500 to help buy two speed limiters after residents complained vehicles were speeding down Rownhams Lane, Rownhams Road, Middle Road, and Firgrove Road.

Mr Dowden, who donated the money from his County Council Community Grant Scheme, believes the speeding signs will help prevent accidents happening in the village.

This comes after a schoolboy was left battered and bruised in September 2019 when he was knocked off his bike by a car turning from Botley Road into Rownhams Lane.

Cllr Dowden said: "Sometimes people forget they are speeding and some people are just, well, daft.

"What people have got to realise is if you're going 35mph in a 30 zone and you hit someone that could seriously hurt them and anything over that speed could kill them.

"If the speed limiters are moved around every four to six weeks it will have much more of an impact, because it means different areas in North Baddesley can be monitored and it startles people when they see the sign flashing 'slow down' at them."

Cllr Alan Warnes, who represents North Baddesley on Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), previously said he welcomed Cllr Dowden's grant, adding he hopes the devices make drivers think before they speed.

He said: "I fully thank Cllr Dowden for his support, I think it will have a positive impact on residents' safety and I hope it makes drivers think about what speed they are doing."

It is believed the second speed limiter has not yet been installed, according to Mr Dowden.