A DEADLY road in the New Forest is to be given safety enhancements to reduce the accident rate.

Hampshire County Council is planning a number of schemes along different sections of the A338 such as vegetation clearance, signage enhancements and resurfacing in some parts.

The announcement follows the launch of a digital petition by Fordingbridge woman Emily Browne, which has been signed by more than 200 concerned residents, calling for safety measures.

The 13.7-mile stretch between Ringwood and Nunton has claimed the lives of 13 people since 2006.

And between 2007 and 2011 there were 28 serious accidents on the same stretch.

Executive member for economy, transport and environment Seán Woodward said: “We are never complacent with the road safety record for the A338 and we continue to monitor road accidents along the route and identify suitable locations and sections that will benefit road safety and reduce casualties.

“Over the years we have implemented a number of casualty reduction schemes, which have been very successful and made a real difference to the road safety record.

“More recently in February 2014, two sections of 50mph limit were introduced as a result of the countywide A & B-road speed limit review, aimed at reducing the level of risk on appropriate routes.

“Whenever a fatal or potentially fatal accident occurs on a road maintained by Hampshire County Council it will be subject to an investigation by the Casualty Reduction Partnership ... which looks at the accident in great detail, as well as comparing any similarities with other accidents in previous years, to consider appropriate measures to enhance safety.”