Big drop in speeding near Badbury Rings

Following a reduction in the speed limit on the B3082 Blandford Road near Badbury Rings, there has been a significant drop in motorists exceeding the limit.

The new speed limit came into effect in July 2023, when it was reduced from 60mph to 50mph. This aimed to improve safety, including at three junctions which give access to Shapwick, Sturminster Marshall and Badbury Rings.

Since the introduction, data collected by Dorset Council shows a significant reduction in those measured exceeding the speed limit, based on an average 7,000 vehicles a day using the road:

• Before the 50mph speed limit reduction was introduced, 13.07% of users (around 914 vehicles) measured were travelling in excess of 60mph
• Since the speed reduction was implemented, the percentage travelling over 60mph reduced to 3.86% (272 vehicles)
• Those measured travelling at speeds above 70mph reduced from 1.51% (106) to 0.62% (43)

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, Dorset Council, said: “It’s reassuring that people are taking notice of the new limit and reducing their speed accordingly.

“However, there is still a small number of people speeding at an excessive rate. I appeal to them: please slow down, for your safety and for that of the many others who use this road.

“This road is important for commuters from Blandford to Wimborne and beyond, so I would like to add a big thank you to everyone who is helping to make journeys safer and more pleasant for all.

“I also thank Dorset Police for their continued work with us through the Dorset Roadsafe Partnership to reduce the number of collisions in Dorset."

Dorset Police said: “We remain committed to working with our partners to keep people safe on the county’s road network.

“Through the Dorset Roadsafe Partnership, work was undertaken with Dorset Council to establish how road safety could be improved along the B3082 through Badbury Rings.

“Dorset Police is pleased to see that since the lower speed limit has been applied, the safety of all road users along this road has been improved.

“We would like to thank all the drivers who have and continue to travel along this road in a safe and considerate manner. Reducing road casualties remains an important part of keeping people safe in Dorset.”

Take care on country roads

Cllr Andrews added: “With so many rural roads in the county, can I also remind users of rural roads to take particular care. Driving on these roads can sometimes be unpredictable, with narrow sections, blind bends, slow moving farm vehicles, horse riders and walkers. Please make sure you can respond to every situation.”

You can find more about the Dorset Road Safe Partnership here - Dorset Road Safe Partnership - Dorset Road Safe Partnership

Although aimed at new drivers, the AA provides some useful reminders for all road users about driving on country roads.