Residents in Racecourse View in Lyndhurst propose 'no entry' signs to stop rat-run

LYNDHURST Parish Council has backed residents who want to close off a “rat-run” for motorists trying to beat the queues.

Members voted at a meeting to support the campaign led by Tina Simmonds, who said motorists on the A337 are using residential lanes to dodge congestion.

She said a survey of residents in Racecourse View showed 80% supported a ‘no entry’ restriction.

She said: “We seek and welcome the support of the parish council with regards to this matter. Hopefully the 80% speaks for itself.”

Residents were affected on a daily basis, the meeting heard, with issues including speeding vehicles cutting through and making the road unsafe for pedestrians.

Another resident told the meeting he had been walking his dogs recently when “seven or eight cars came flying round”, and was also narrowly missed by a fast vehicle as he unloaded from his car.

Cllr George Bisson said the situation was a case of “be careful what you wish for”, and said residents themselves would have to sit in the traffic queue for longer, causing more pollution.

He added: “I have sympathy as a lot of people use it as an alternative route. Having said that, it is a public road and part of the village.”

Cllr Graham Reeve told the meeting: “Weighing up the minor inconveniences against the safety of pedestrians, I think it clearly benefits the situation.”

The next step will be to request Hampshire County Council to carry out a feasibility study.

Members voted nine to one in favour of the proposal.