THE limit on a major Southampton road is to be kept low to reduce the risk of crashes damaging the flyovers.

Since August 2016 there had been a temporary 40mph limit on the A33/35 western approach, which was introduced whilst a structural audit of both the Millbrook and Redbridge flyovers were carried out.

Now civic chiefs have agreed that keeping the limit at its lower level would reduce the chance of the structures being damaged if a vehicle smashed into them.

They also point to other benefits from moving away from the previous speed of 50mph. These include reducing vehicle noise and vibration, and lowering air pollution with more consistent traffic speeds.

The council indicated that road accidents had also reduced.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst there has been a reduction in the number of injury accidents since the temporary 40mph limit has been introduced, we would need a more extended period of review to confirm that this improvement has been sustained.”

Environment and transport boss councillor Jacqui Rayment (inset) also welcomed the news.

“Reducing air pollution is a top priority for the council and anything that does this has got to be a good thing, although it was not the primary reason for the decision,” said the Labour councillor.

“And anything that reduces the speed of cars on Southampton’s roads, in a way that does not bring with it other problem, is always welcomed.

But Millbrook Conservative member Steve Galton (inset has asked why a variable limit has not been looked at, to reduce speeds at busier period. He likened it to the smart motorway schemes.

Cllr Galton said: “What we need is variable limits, to help with traffic flow. This will, in turn, improve air pollution.

“That is the option that we should be looking at.

“The question is, is 40mph to right speed limit to be looking at?”

Road safety charity Brake also welcomed the lower limit.

A spokesperson said: “The news that Southampton City Council is permanently changing this speed limit from 50mph to 40mph is a welcomed one.

“Lower speed limits reduce the numbers of devastating casualties on our roads.

“Brake is calling for a reduction of the national default 30mph limit in urban areas to 20mph. Slower speeds save lives and help make our streets more liveable environments.”