THE speed limit on a road outside two Locks Heath schools will be reduced within the next few weeks to the delight of road safety campaigners.

Traffic will be forced to stay within the 30mph speed limit along Warsash Road outside Locks Heath Infant and Junior schools.

Campaigners have been battling to get the speed limit reduced from 40mph for the last four years after branding the road a dangerous rat run.

The new limit will cover the stretch of Warsash Road from Locksheath Park Road to Abshot Road.

Chairman of Fareham Road Safety Council Ruth Godrich said: "We've been waiting for this a long time.

"We hope the new 30mph speed limit will slow down traffic and make it safer for schoolchildren walking to and from school.

"There have been collisions and minor accidents over the years.

"With so many children crossing the road in the mornings and afternoons our main concern is the speed of traffic, particularly at peak times.''

Meanwhile, an extensive traffic-calming scheme is already underway in Locks Heath with mini roundabouts and speed cushions going up at the junction of Abshot Road with Hunts Pond Lane.

Road safety campaigners hope this will make the journey safer for children walking to St John the Baptist Church of England Primary School.

The traffic calming measures were first mooted in the Locks Heath traffic study drawn up by Fareham council four years ago.

But with no money available at the time it is only now the plan can become a reality thanks to £55,000 from developers who have built homes in the area.

Motorists are being warned to expect some delays and congestion in the area until the traffic-calming scheme is completed.