Five Dorset towns and villages could see new 20mph speed limits

blackmorevaleMay 24, 20230 Comment0

A TOTAL of five towns and villages in Dorset could soon see 20mph speed limits introduced.

A new panel at Dorset Council has selected applications to move to the next stage in having the restriction introduced after inviting applications from town and parish councils in November last year.

While eight applications were considered by the new 20mph Panel Group, five have been selected for the next stage, which will see them assessed for funding and possibly put out to public consultation.

The successful applications are in:
• Bridport town centre
• Langton Matravers
• Wimborne town centre
• Winfrith Newburgh
• Pimperne

The panel said an application for Poundbury requires further investigation, while Fifehead Magdalen paused their application to consider an alternative application for a Speed Indicator Device.

Fontmell Magna did not meet the required criteria, they added.

Applications made since March 1 up until August 31 will be considered later this year, with four further applications already in the pipeline, and another 38 areas expressing an interest.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “This initiative is in response to community concerns about road safety and healthy areas in towns and villages.

“We are committed to working with local towns and parishes to promote road safety. 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 vehicle traffic 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.”

Ian Vaughan Arbuckle, representing Langton Matravers Parish Council, said: “We are delighted to have cleared the first and probably the most difficult hurdle in our quest to get a 20mph limit through the centre of the village: this is something residents have wanted for many years.

“The new limit will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for residents and make the centre of the village a far safer place.”

For more details, see the 20mph policy at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/20-mile-per-hour-mph-policy.

Residents interested in the implementation of new 20mph speed limits in their area should contact their town or parish council or local Dorset Councillor.