PARISH leaders are launching a huge public consultation in a bid to cut the accident rate on a dangerous New Forest road.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in Holbury are to receive leaflets informing them of the forthcoming programme to find a solution to motoring problems on Long Lane.

Councillors have long been campaigning to improve safety on the road, which has hit the headlines countless times because of its high accident rate.

The Daily Echo reported last month how a plan to filter traffic along a portion of a service road that runs alongside the main road was scrapped after it was criticised by police and councillors for being dangerous and a waste of money.

Nick Hunt, New Forest District Council's principal engineer for transport, agreed to shelve the project and agreed that Fawley Parish Council should approach the public for their opinions.

Parish clerk Malcolm Anderson said: "We're going to try to organise a public meeting but what we want to do first is get some publicity to residents so people know there's one going to take place and they can come to have their say."

He said the date of the meeting has yet to be set. Mr Hunt said a temporary no-right-turn scheme on Long Lane could take place depending on the outcome of the consultation and whatever the parish council decided.

He said: "We're waiting to hear whether or not Fawley Parish Council support an experimental banned right turn."

Philip Pearce-Smith, a parish councillor and Long Lane resident, said: "I think outlawing right turns on and off Long Lane would stop most of the accidents there.

"But we would need a proper roundabout to make it effective.

"It's something we've been on about for years but there was a lot of opposition from residents last time it was suggested."