CAMPAIGNING villagers should soon see the success of years of pressure to reduce a high accident rate to people and pets on a dangerous road.

Speeding drivers in Burridge, near Botley, have caused an accident rate higher than average, including fatalities and scores of minor injuries in the past decade.

Pet owners are particularly unhappy because they are losing their dogs and cats in increasing numbers to reckless drivers.

This has led to many requests over the years for a lower speed limit.

However, the county council has repeatedly rejected the call, saying the lower limit was unrealistic.

Residents have, therefore, asked for traffic- slowing measures such as road humps, instead.

They hope calming measures now suggested by Hampshire County Council will help reduce the dangers. If the new move works campaigners hope highway engineers will agree to the 40mph speed limit being reduced.

Burridge Village Residents' Association welcomed the planned new road safety plan. Spokesman Ann Ailes said: "We're very plea-sed we've been listened to. This road has no crossing and drivers go too fast, especially for the high numbers of elderly people.

"Whatever the causes, there are too many crashes. Recently there was an accident at the Elm Tree pub junction and one when a car went through hedges.

"Then I saw a crash involving a milk float and a horsebox driver. The milkman had to give up work because of his injuries.''

Fareham Borough Council is keen to answer residents', police and road safety officers' requests for traffic to be slowed through Burridge on the A3051, between Park Gate and Botley.

Borough Council leader and area councillor Sean Woodward said: "Traffic-calming measures are long overdue here through Bur-ridge.

"It's known as a dangerous stretch of road because it is an A-road and drivers drive at 40 or over. They think it's rural, but the population has grown and drivers go much too fast for pedestrians and road conditions.

"There have been several fatalities, mostly concerning the drivers themselves and many accidents with pedestrians.

"Increasing numbers of upset people have complained to me about their dogs and cats being killed.

"Eventually we hope this will prove the need for a lower 30mph speed limit, so police can enforce it.''

Proposed measures include visually narrowing the road from the motorway bridge to Swanwick Lane, an anti-skid area and slow signs on the road and a substantial gateway feature for southbound traffic.