Concerns have been raised about speed limit enforcement and school traffic after Hampshire County Council approved new speed limits on roads near Four Marks CE Primary School.

The changes will extend the existing 30mph limit on Hawthorn Road by around 180 metres east of the Alton Lane and Kitwood Road junction.

A new 50mph limit will then apply for about 880 metres, replacing the current national speed limit. A short section of Willis Lane will also become subject to a 50mph limit.

In a written objection submitted during the consultation, Kitwood Road resident Peter Buckroyd questioned whether the changes were necessary.

He said: “What evidence do you have to justify the proposed extra speed limits? I am not aware of any recent accidents on the stretches of road.”

Mr Buckroyd also questioned how effective lower speed limits would be without enforcement.

“What is the point of lower limits when the existing roads are not monitored? I have never seen any police checking speeds,” he said, adding that HGVs and tractors were among the worst offenders.

Instead, he called for a 20mph limit around the school during drop-off and pick-up times, supported by electronic signs.

He also urged the council to tackle parking and congestion around the school, describing the daily situation as “chaotic”.

In a separate written objection, Gareth McChesney, argued that Hawthorn Road’s narrow carriageway, bends and limited visibility already encourage motorists to drive cautiously.

He said the road’s characteristics “naturally constrain vehicle speeds well below the maximum limit for most motorists”.

However, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary supported the plans.

In its consultation response, the force described the reduction from 60mph to 50mph on the approach to the school as “a sensible one”.

Police said traffic data showed average speeds above 40mph at times and warned that a 40mph buffer zone could create enforcement difficulties.

The force said: “I would agree that the 50 is a safer approach speed and by bringing the 30 limit further east by 50 metres gives enough time for drivers to react.”

Officers added that new village gateway features would make the lower limit more obvious to drivers and suggested cutting back vegetation that currently obscures a school warning sign.

The council said traffic volumes on Hawthorn Road had increased and that the existing 60mph limit was no longer considered appropriate on the approach to the school crossing point.

Despite the concerns raised, the council decided that the changes would improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and other road users.