NEW speed limits are to be introduced on the A4 between Chippenham and Calne following a vigorous campaign by the Gazette and Herald after two fatal accidents and at least half a dozen serious road crashes in the space of three years.

Last week Wiltshire County Council's regulatory committee granted speed changes at three sites along the A4.

There will now be a 50mph speed limit from Chippenham towards Calne until the Saab garage where it will then become 40mph up to the junction with Derry Hill.

There will also be a 40mph speed limit west of Box, and a 50mph east of Box to Pickwick.

The regulatory committee at Trowbridge on February 2 voted to follow the recommendations from George Batten, director of environmental services, to implement all the new speed limits.

Calne county councillor Nancy Bryant said the speed reduction out of Chippenham was a good move.

"It's a step in the right direction. It's a fast bit of road and they do turn into Derry Hill towards the golf course very fast," she said.

Coun Bryant said she is hoping the speed limit will eventually be carried all the way to Calne.

"I am not too happy with them delaying the Studley crossroads. I do feel they could have done something there short term because it is a black spot."

County and town councillor Paul Fox agreed the move was a step in the right direction but had not gone far enough.

"I wanted 30mph on the edge of Chippenham," he said. "I am disappointment that we are not getting 30mph. It does seem a bit silly since we have 30mph in Chippenham and that could just be extended.

"It's better to have some sort of reduction but what happens is you come down to Derry Hill, slow to 40mph and then speed up when you get closer to Chippenham.

"There's a little lay by where you can pull over and people let their children out and we don't want to be having this discussion about the speed limit when someone's been knocked over."

The Gazette campaign was launched after 60-year-old Geoffrey Smith of Calne died in a three vehicle accident near Derry Hill in September 2003.