Campaigners are hoping that a road used by walkers, cyclists, runners and horse riders, but also by young drivers as a “racetrack”, could become an official “quiet lane” to cut traffic.

Gulpher Road winds its way from Walton High Street, Felixstowe, to Old Felixstowe, and runs through the resort’s only countryside.

Residents and councillors have been calling for measures to cut speeds for some time and there have been several accidents and many near misses along the route.

Extra signs and road markings have been tried and at one time there were discussions over closing the road with barriers half-way and access through to farm traffic only.

Now a public meeting is to take place tomorrow at 7pm at Felixstowe Town Hall, Undercliff Road West, to discuss whether Gulpher Road could be designated a “quiet lane”.

Some residents also want the designation extended into Ferry Road to its junction with Cliff Road as this stretch also borders the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is very narrow.

Town and district councillor Kimberley Williams said the biggest problem in Gulpher Road was the clash between traffic and those using the country road for recreational purposes, including walking, running, cycling and to exercise horses.

She said: “It is a bit of a racetrack for some young drivers who come whizzing around there and can come suddenly and unexpectedly round a corner to meet people on foot, bikes or horses.

“Being a quiet lane wouldn’t ban traffic but it would help to curb speed and to give some protection to the area, which is used by lots of people wanting to enjoy the quiet of the countryside.”

A “quiet lane” is a nationally recognised designation, requesting people to “Expect and Respect”.

The aim is to encourage users to enjoy country roads in greater safety, trying to change people’s behaviour and encourage drivers to respect more vulnerable road users.

Grant aid is available for signs, awareness campaigns, and specialist electronic monitoring equipment which could be put in place to help identify and monitor the area.