Safety moves at spot where Dean, 13, died

Anti-skid surfaces, guard railings and bollards will be installed at the crossing on Winchester Road in Romsey.

Road safety bosses are taking action following the death of Romsey School pupil Dean Cameron who was hit by a car while cycling across the road in February.

Flowers and tributes still lie at the scene where the popular 13-year-old was killed.

Following calls from members of the public, Romsey MP Sandra Gidley met with members of Hampshire's Road Safety Partnership at the site of the accident, at the junction of Viney Avenue, to discuss improvements.

"After the accident I had many letters from residents who wanted something done. I even heard a petition was being drawn up," she said.

"I'm very happy something is being done and the council has acted so quickly to put these safety measures in place."

Road safety engineers examined the site days after the accident and are hoping the installation of new features will encourage pedestrians to use the crossing.

"We want to draw people to the crossing rather than just be able to head straight across the road," said road safety engineer Mark Barrett.

Mr Barrett also said that bollards are going to be placed to stop cyclists heading straight on to the footpath from a cut-through that links the road with homes and which is widely used by residents and school pupils.

County councillor for Romsey, Mark Cooper, also welcomed the plans but said he still wants the speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

"This part of Winchester Road is heavily built up on both sides and has high levels of pedestrian and bicycle activity. A speed limit of 30mph is needed and it needs to be enforced," he said.

Mr Barrett confirmed a review of the limit was about to take place.

"Since speed cameras further up the road were introduced there have been fewer accidents," he said.

"In the three years previous to them being installed during April 2004 we had 15 reported accidents. Since then we've had two."