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.
My family live at Gaunts common, I grew up there and now speeding cars are a constant source of fear when walking the dogs – please make all country villages 20mph – it will save lives
Please can we have this in Sturminster Marshall??
I was in London yesterday where 20mph applies in most areas. Modern cars and commercial vehicles (excluding electric) are not designed to operate for sustained periods at such a low speed. It appeared that exhaust emissions from such vehicles appeared higher and the ‘usual’ drivers were ignoring the limit anyway.
To me the 30mph limit is sensible and should NOT be reduced
A Zebra crossing wouldn’t go amiss in Allenview Road opposite Greenhays Rise. Especially with the new school traffic in the afternoons.