A MAJOR traffic-calming scheme on a Totton estate is to be made permanent after achieving a dramatic reduction in the number of accidents.

Hampshire County Council took action in 2001 after a spate of complaints about drivers flouting the 30mph speed limit at Calmore Drive, Calmore.

Measures were introduced at the northern end of Calmore Drive, between Blackwater Drive and a roundabout on the A36, following a series of crashes.

The Calmore exit from the roundabout was reduced in width to encourage motorists to cut their speed as they entered the huge estate.

A chicane was installed near Blackwater Drive in a further attempt to persuade drivers to slow down.

The chicane was made of small obstructions known as build-outs, which narrowed the carriageway and reduce traffic speed - making it easier for pedestrians to cross.

Highway engineers also changed the priority at a nearby junction.

Now Hampshire County Council has decided to make the scheme permanent after assessing the impact of the 16-month experiment.

Members of Totton and Eling Town Council's planning and transport committee heard that some drivers had fallen foul of the new kerbs and bollards.

Planning officer Roger Hill said: "They've taken quite a battering at times."

However, Mr Hill said the scheme had attracted only 15 objections, which suggested that the vast majority of residents supported the county council's initiative.

A report to councillors outlined the success of the scheme.

It said: "The objective was to improve conditions for pedestrians, particularly those walking to and from local schools, by encouraging lower traffic speeds and increasing driver awareness of potential hazards.

"The accident record has shown an encouraging improvement since the measures were installed."

George Dart, the committee chairman, said: "We requested a traffic-calming scheme in response to concerns expressed by a large number of local people.

"I'm very pleased that the county council is proposing to make the scheme permanent."