RESIDENTS have backed calls for 20mph speed zones to be brought to Romsey roads.

The additional 20mph speed zones could be implemented on roads across Hampshire as councillors begin a new review.

Hampshire County Council has formed a task force set of eight councillors to examine whether existing zones should remain, and which areas need extra reduced speed limits.

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Cllr Stephen Philpott, chairman of the economy, transport and environment select committee, said: "The group is being set up to gather evidence and present that to the committee.

"It’s certainly a hot topic at the moment – I’ve already had residents and parish councils contact me to have their say."

The move has been welcomed by local councillors and residents.

Adrian and Jackie Biddlecombe, from Romsey, said: "20 in town is plenty, especially for Romsey. It's dangerous, and since they closed the town centre during lockdown, people are still wandering around, the slower people go, the better."

Their view was backed by Jill Evatt, 69 from Chandler's Ford, who said a reduced limit would make the area safer. 

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She said: "When I say I'm disappointed, that's me putting it politely. There's one thing accidentally speeding, but you cannot come through certain areas at 40mph. If someone steps out, you've got to be able to stop."

Sue Speirs, 70, from Romsey said: "It's pretty dangerous seeing people speeding. It'll probably stop some people, but not everybody."

Romsey councillor Nick Adams-King welcomed the initiative.

He said: "I’m really pleased the county council are setting up a working party to review their policy around the introduction of 20mph limits.

"'20 is Plenty’ has done a brilliant job in highlighting the benefits of the introduction of 20mph limits in the city and our towns and villages. For me, having a policy that’s flexible enough to take into account both local requirements and the views of local people is key.

"We need to ensure residents' support where the new limits are introduced. I think the new policy must also allow reviews where new developments change the nature of roads over the coming years."

The group will have six months to compile evidence, before reporting its findings back to the select committee.

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Kimberley Barber