FIVE towns and villages in Dorset could see new 20mph limit schemes introduced – and residents are being asked to have their say on the plans.
Dorset Council received applications to put in place 20mph schemes from parish and town councils in Cheselbourne, Child Okeford, Okeford Fitzpaine, Winterbourne Kingston and Wimborne – Allenview Road and Burt’s Hill.
Each application is now subject to a traffic regulation order (TRO) public consultation where residents can show their support or objections to the proposals.
Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council cabinet member for place services, said: “We are committed to working with local towns and parishes in response to community concerns about road safety and healthy areas in their towns and villages.
“Limiting speeds to 20mph where people walk, live and play is one way people can benefit from streets that are healthier and safer.
“The process does not seek to set a 20mph limit as the default for all roads where people and vehicles mix but it takes a consistent approach to dealing with applications, with a policy that is: implementable by considering national guidance; affordable, placing minimum strain on council budgets; and enforceable by the police.”
Dorset Council will only fund 20mph schemes deemed to be a high enough priority, with town and parish council’s able to fund lower-priority schemes.
If a proposed scheme fails to meet the criteria, alternatives such as a speed indicator device, which simply monitors how fast vehicles are travelling, can be considered.
Dorset Council says the schemes must offer the “maximum benefit” for communities with factors such as quality of life, healthier lifestyles, sustainability and environmental benefits as well as the reduction of collisions taken into consideration.
Existing speeds are taken into account throughout the 20mph application process, and a scheme will only be given the go-ahead if there is “significant” community support.
The consultation can be found on Dorset Council’s TRO webpages by clicking here and can be accessed until November 15.
Those who want a different format for the document are asked to call Dorset Council on 01305 221000 and ask for the traffic regulation team.
What a great idea. I fully support a speed reduction to 20mph. I would be delighted if it would include my village most of which doesn’t have pavements and drivers daily drive into the village via a narrow single car lane at 40 or 50mph. Why wait until someone is seriously hurt or killed?
Hi about lowering the A30 Sherborne causeway down from 60 mph to 40! For us that live within feet of the road it’s at times hell. My house shakes from HGVs thundering past. And the motorbikes are on another planet. Why put up
Think Bike signs when you can’t even see them coming as they’re going so fast. No police in site ever. How about an average speed check area. These are proven to work
Why isn’t Milton Abbas on the list? We have motorists and cyclists coming through here at ridiculous speeds and it can only be a matter of time before someone is badly hurt or killed.
We have no pavements, single rack roads and nowhere to pull in. Would be brilliant here.
This has already happened in Beaminster. Although approaching from the South vehicles are still doing 60 approaching. The 30 signs are often hidden by trees and need to be moved back 100 metres opposite Furze lane to be of any effect.
Any speed limit is meaningless without enforcement.
If the Government/Council were serious about regulating speed, traffic lights are the sure fire way of achieving that – as has been proven in Europe.
SPEED DOES NOT KILL, it’s inappropriate SPEED that kills.
If folks are so concerned about traffic accidents, why do we put up with advisory and compulsory road signs obscured by over growth on the verge??!!