SID is slowing speeding drivers and making life safer for children at Bransgore Primary School.

SID is not a new lollipop man, but a long-awaited Speed Indicator Device which flashes a bright red warning to drivers breaking the 30mph speed limit near the school in Ringwood Road.

Headteacher P eter Pretlove said it is "wonderful" to have the SID in place. He and teaching colleagues have waited years for a way of slowing vehicles there.

Excess speed has been blamed for several recent accidents in Ringwood Road, including one last year where a car crashed into the school safety barriers shortly before children began arriving for the day's learning.

SIDs are put up at different sites, two weeks at a time, on permanent poles which have to be paid for locally.

The Bransgore school SID pole has been paid for from the £350 proceeds of a football match between AFC Bransgore's B team and a side made up of coaches, manager and parents from youth teams in February.

Hot on the heels of the installation of the SID, Mr Pretlove has received a letter from Hampshire County Council outlining its new "20 is plenty" initiative, to cut traffic speeds to 20mph outside schools.

"I think it's marvellous news, especially for when it's busy at 8.30am and 3.30pm," he said.

In addition, the school has recently submitted a travel plan which has earned it £5,700 funding, which has to be spent inside the school premises.

"It may pay for a shelter or to encourage parents to walk to school," he said.

The installation of the SID has been welcomed by parish clerk Sam Clarke. "We were originally dealing with it and trying to get it installed in conjunction with the school," she said.

Now the parish council is paying for another SID to be put up in Burley Road.

"It should be fairly soon.

"We've got a problem with speeding traffic in Burley Road and we've got a playgroup down here in the recreation ground.

"Plus it will be a lead in to the Crown junction, which is a danger spot."