Request for speed reducing measures in Gosport Lane, Lyndhurst

Response from Hampshire County Council, September 2012

The provision of safety cameras is a matter for the Police. However, I understand that cameras are only used at sites where there has been a history of injury accidents and where speed was a factor. I am copying this letter to the Police and I am sure they will respond to you regarding your questions about enforcement and your request for a safety camera.

I am advised that New Forest District Council carried out a speed survey in Gosport Lane over a week in December 2011 using automatic equipment. During that period the mean speed of traffic was recorded to be 30.1 mph. Although I am sure there would have been some vehicles travelling faster than this, the survey does indicate that on average vehicles are travelling within the 30 mph speed limit.

The County Council has very limited options to try to reduce the speed of traffic on roads, with the particular course of action very much dependent upon the specific road. Engineering measures are generally used to address an existing problem such as where there has been a history of injury accidents, and in areas where there are many pedestrians crossing the road. Despite the recent accident that occurred at the junction with High Street, where I am informed that speed is not believed to have been a contributory factor, the recent accident record within Gosport Lane is fortunately not poor.

We are unable to put up 30 mph signs because the road has street lighting and it is strictly forbidden under legislation for us to put up permanent 30 mph 'repeater' signs on such streets. Doing so would in fact invalidate the speed limit and make it unenforceable. It may be an option for New Forest District Council to put up their portable electronic speed limit reminder sign, but I am told that the use of this sign is prioritised for roads that have much higher recorded mean speeds, so it may be some months before the sign can be put up in Gosport Lane.

On a more positive note, Gosport Lane's junction with High Street has recently been reviewed and engineers will be installing new bollards with improved reflectors to reduce the likelihood of vehicles overrunning the footway and also making changes to the road markings within the next few months.

Councillor Melville Kendal
Executive Member for Environment and Transport