HIGHWAY chiefs are planning to carry out speed checks on an “increasingly dangerous” road that has seen a spate of accidents, including two fatalities.

Gym instructor Gary Lewis, 22, of Park Close, Marchwood, was cycling along Jacobs Gutter Lane in 2009 when he was killed in a collision with a lorry.

It happened just yards from the spot where a moped rider died in another tragedy three months earlier.

Stephen Tippetts, 30, of Maritime Avenue, Marchwood, was riding home from work when he lost control of his machine and hit a road sign.

Since then accidents have continued to occur on Jacobs Gutter Lane and other roads between Totton and Marchwood.

Now Hampshire County Council is preparing to carry out a speed survey as part of an investigation into how the route between the two communities can be made safer.

Campaigners are hoping it will lead to a reduction in the 40mph speed limit in the area.

Cllr David Harrison, who represents Marchwood and Totton South, said the survey was due to be undertaken in the next few weeks. He added: “Once the information from the survey work is to hand we’ll fix up a meeting to discuss the best way of tackling safety along this increasingly dangerous road.

“It’s already clear that some drivers are putting their foot down and travelling way in excess of the speed limit.”

“I’d like to see the speed limit along the entire stretch of road reduced.

However, council officers tell me this is probably not possible due to Government guidelines and the rural nature of most of the road.

“I think an exception should be made as few rural roads have to cope with as much heavy traffic as this one does.”

Cllr Harrison confirmed that the Marchwood-based Barker-Mills Estate had agreed to release the land necessary to build a cycleway and footpath alongside Bury Road.

He added: “If they’d said ‘No’ the project would have been killed off.”