A31 Could Get 50mph Trial

A 50 miles per hour speed limit could be trialled on a stretch of the A31 at Ringwood which has seen several serious crashes.

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne and three Ringwood Councillors, including the Mayor Councillor Steve Rippon-Swaine, met with Roads Minister Stephen Hammond in London on Monday 13th May. They discussed possible ways to improve safety on the stretch of the A31 past the town, after several recent crashes - including the death of teenage moped rider Jade Clark.

The issues put forward at the meeting were:

'Recognition that the A31 westbound needs re-engineering from the A31 Ringwood Flyover to the Ashley Heath Roundabout. This engineering would allow drivers time to select their lane before entering Dorset.'

'That the three bridges on the A31 before the Ashley Heath Roundabout should all be used to correctly sign the road ahead, giving time for drivers to change lanes.'
   
'That the speed limit on the A31 should be reviewed.'

The campaigners say they're hopeful the speed limit will now be cut.

Mr Hammond has also agreed to look at improving the signage on that stretch - and will report back in two months.

16-year-old Jade Clark died after a crash involving a Volvo XC90 as she rode her moped along the road near Ashley Heath at 8.23pm on Sunday 24th February. 58-year-old Brian Hampton from Kent denies causing death by careless driving. He also faces charges including failing to stop and driving while disqualified.