THE A31 from Cadnam to Ringwood is within the National Park, and under the administration of the District Council with Parishes often bordering the busy, fast road.

And yet, the Police Authority claim it is safe to drive at 70 mph along what is only an 'A' road. It is not an extension of the M27.

My own thoughts are that motorways can be safe with the limit being the present 70 mph.

Dual carriage -ways ,which would include the A31 through the Forest, 60 mph.

Single roads, that is one lane in each direction, 50 mph and that would then include the A35 Ashurst to Hinton road.

The minor roads, such as present used within the rural areas of the Forest, 40 mph.

Villages 30 mph ,with in exceptional circumstances, 20 mph.

However it really should be the choice of the local people, parish councils, towns, and district to decide what is considered as safe. Therefore, if there is the support to have the limit from Picket Post through Ringwood lowered to 50 mph, then that ought to be the case.

Hampshire C.C. and the Police should take notice.

We don't want more accidents, deaths ,which could be avoided by dropping the speed down by 10 or 20 mph.

The Police are reported of saying, it is due to drivers being to close to the vehicle in front. Surely to have that vehicle travelling at 50 or 60 mph, is a lot better than a 70 mph impact!

We the locals, should demand that the Hampshire County Councillors (whoever they will be after June 4) to go to Winchester and tell them there at the Castle, this is what we want ,and remind them, we pay their wages.

Richard Grant, Burley.