A DOG walker killed when he was knocked down by a car on one of Hampshire's busiest roads had signed a petition calling for safety improvements just weeks before he died.

Frank Harrison, 83, had joined more than 1,000 people in putting his name to calls for a bridge or underpass to help pedestrians cross the A326.

The great-grandfather had been walking two dogs when he was hit by a car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. One of the dogs had to be put down after the accident.

Hampshire County Council roads chiefs have pledged to investigate whether they should introduce any safety measures at the scene of Mr Harrison's death.

The pensioner, who lived alone at Noads Way, Dibden Purlieu, was trying to cross the A326 near his home when he died on Thursday at about 5pm.

The petition was first circulated last month and the strength of feeling is such that more than 1,000 signatures have already been collected.

Leading campaigner Irene Plascott, an administrator of Oak Road, said: "I would often talk to Frank because I knew him locally. He was a quiet, pleasant, sociable man and he regularly walked dogs for his neighbours. He definitely told me that he signed the petition.

"It's so sad. Why did it have to happen? Now hopefully someone will listen to us. I think this is going to escalate and we are going to get more support now that the facts has been proved."

The petition, which has been available to sign in a number of Dibden Purlieu shops, suggests building a bridge or an underpass for walkers to cross the road safely.

Tragically it reads: "There are regular near misses and we the undersigned are making this request before there is a fatality."

The campaigners plan to present it to a meeting of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council on February 7.

About 70 people braved the winter chill at the weekend to demand action despite just a few hours notice.

Kenneth Swain, retired, of Noads Way, said: "Frank was a lovely old chap. He always called out and he was always concerned about other people.

"I have been writing letters trying to get something done about this for the past six years. If something had been done then that man would be alive today."

Many people regularly take a gamble and dodge traffic on the 60mph road to get access to the New Forest.

Mr Harrison died near a cut-way regularly used by dog walkers about 200 yards towards the Applemore roundabout from the Heath Hotel.

Ruth Hewitt, 84, of Roman Road, said: "I got run over about 12 years ago walking my dogs. I still cross it almost every day, it's terrible and it gets worse every week."

The road is the main route from the Waterside into Southampton and is also heavily used by large vehicles to Fawley refinery.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said: "Any fatal accident is investigated by our casualty reduction partnership between the council and the police. They consider whether any safety measures need to be implemented as a result."

The driver, a 78-year-old man from Salisbury, was questioned by police but not arrested.

Any witnesses to the accident or who saw Mr Harrison walking his dogs shortly before the collision should contact PC James Fibbens at Totton roads policing unit on 0845 045 4545 and quote Operation Pepper.