WOODEN screens will be built in the middle of a Hampshire dual carriageway dubbed a “grand prix circuit”

by bikers.

The new fencing is part of an attempt by highway chiefs to prevent motorcyclists racing each other between two roundabouts at Cadnam in the New Forest.

The 70mph speed limit has already been reduced to 50mph following complaints from people living near the road.

Now screens will be installed on the central reservation at each end of the dual carriageway in a bid to persuade bikers to approach the roundabouts with more caution.

Cllr Mel Kendal, the county council’s executive member for environment, said work would start this week.

He added: “Local residents and businesses have identified that irresponsible driver behaviour has been a significant problem in this area and erecting timber screening is the latest step we are taking to address this issue.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and work with other agencies, including the police, to do what we can to ensure people drive responsibly.”

Lady Kara Hawks, chairman of Copythorne Parish Council, also welcomed the move.

She said: “We are very pleased that something is being done.”

The £20,000 scheme follows a public meeting attended by more than 30 villagers and New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, plus representatives from the county and district councils, the police and the National Park Authority.

Traffic calming measures are also being used in a further attempt to make the road safer and police are planning to carry out speed checks.

The road is also sporting “Bikers Think!” signs – a variation of the “Think Bike!” messages aimed at making motorists more aware of motorcyclists.

Residents said bikers posting messages on the Internet were describing the dual carriageway as the Cadnam grand prix circuit.