CHILBOLTON campaigners are a step closer in their fight for 20mph speed limits.

Hampshire County Council has promised a rethink on its policy of lower limits following a meeting earlier this month, where Chilbolton Twenty is Plenty campaigners made a presentation.

Councillors have now agreed to look again at the issue in the new year.

Campaign leader David Budd said: “It’s good to see that Hampshire County Council is reviewing its policy.

“We hope that it may now finally take action and support the introduction of 20mph speed limits in rural communities, where they are appropriate and where there is support in the local community.

“We do not believe that its approach of implementing pilots is valid or a good use of taxpayers’ money.

“In Chilbolton, we have widespread support from the community to reduce the speed limit and there is already a decade of research that shows the positive impact that it could have.”

The campaigners made the presentation in front of the county council’s environment and transportation select committee, as it discussed its Traffic Management Policy and Guidance.

The committee will meet again on 21 January 2014.

Chilbolton Parish Council has already endorsed the proposal for a 20mph limit in the village, while local MP Caroline Nokes has supported the campaign.