CAMPAIGNERS calling for average speed cameras to be installed on a notorious New Forest road have received a double boost.

The district council has vowed to support the growing clamour for cameras to be placed on the B3078 Roger Penny Way, where four ponies were killed in an accident on New Year's Eve.

And Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has agreed to help fund a feasibility study into the proposed new devices.

Its comes in the wake of an online petition that gathered more than 3,500 signatures.

Speaking at a meeting of the full council the leader, Cllr Edward Heron, said: "I understand from a recent communication I have had with the Commissioner that they are agreeable to contributing towards a feasibility study.

"This is clearly a very positive move forward. I would therefore like to move that the council does add its support to this campaign.”

The driver involved in the New Year's Eve incident was complying with the 40mph speed limit and no police action was taken against him.

But speed checks carried out in the past few months have shown that many motorists are flouting the restriction.

Ms Jones said: "I very much share residents’ concerns about speeding in the New Forest and animal casualties.

"I am pleased to support a feasibility study into the potential use of average speed cameras for Roger Penny Way. There have been a number of animal deaths on the route in recent times.

"This loss of life is senseless and devastating for the animal owners.

“The New Forest is defined not only by the beautiful landscape but also by the animals that roam the area and we should all work together to protect it.

"I would urge all drivers to drive with great care in the Forest, especially as the nights draw in and visibility reduces.”

Lord Manners, the Official Verderer, added: "The Verderers are delighted to hear that the PCC is supportive of a feasibility study into the possibility of average speed cameras on the Roger Penny Way.

"We believe the installation of such cameras would achieve a significant reduction in the number of animal casualties on this road.”

The signatures were gathered by Gilly Jones, a member of the New Forest Roads Awareness group, and fellow campaigner Sarah Weston.

Posting on social meeting Ms Jones said: "The full council have given their support to average speed cameras on Roger Penny Way. That was a massive hoop to jump through.

"The even better news is that the Hampshire PCC has given her backing for the feasibility study. This is a huge day."