New Milton mayor calls for 20mph limits on school roads, saying Hampshire County Council ‘need their arses kicked’

“HAMPSHIRE County Council need their arses kicked.”

These were the words of New Milton’s mayor as he called for 20mph limits outside schools.

The outburst came after concerns about motorists persistently speeding past schools in the area were raised during a full town council meeting.

Giving his district council report, Cllr Steve Davies shared numerous complaints about Old Milton Road, outside New Milton Junior School.

The stretch of road had seen several road traffic incidents over the years, he said.

Cllr Davies had asked that HCC’s highways team consider the area outside the school for a 20mph limit.

He added: “It’s my understanding that the crossing patrol outside the infant school [on adjoining A337 Lymington Road] will be retained, so that’s good as well.”

Passionate about 20mph limits on school roads, mayor Cllr David Hawkins cited Lower Ashley Road, outside Ashley Infant School, as “really dangerous”.

“Most people go past with their foot to the floor. One day someone is going to be killed,” he said.

“I would really like to see a 20mph limit there.”

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden agreed the town council should look “more widely” across the area at where would be appropriate sites for the lower limit.

Highlighting the £10,000 cost for a traffic order to cut each speed limit, Cllr Steve Clarke said the implications would have to be considered.

But Cllr Hawkins fumed: “Isn’t a child’s life more appropriate to be saved than lost?

“Why is Hampshire County Council hanging about? Our children, they’re the future of this country.

“Hampshire County Council need their arses kicked to get things looked at. They need motivating. It’s not good enough.”

Cllr Clarke countered that HCC was giving local committees the opportunity to review the situation.

He pointed out there may be parts of the community that would want the 20mph limits, but others could be against.