THOUSANDS of drivers could be caught out by a reduced speed limit on Southampton's busiest commuter route.

The limit between Redbridge Causeway and Mountbatten Way will be dropped from 50mph to 40mph from the beginning of next month, Southampton City Council has announced.

The decision has been made after a crash earlier this year where a vehicle hit and damaged a flyover on the route.

The council says the damage has been repaired but there are concerns that structures on the road are vulnerable.

The "temporary precaution" will be put in place in both directions until a permanent solution has been found.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, Southampton City Council's cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is the busiest road in the city with on average 70,000 vehicles using it every day and with over 20 recorded road traffic accidents in each of the last three years.

"We are carrying out evaluations on any longer term actions that are required but in the meantime we believe this restriction will improve safety and also contribute to lowering emissions which is an important issue for the city.”