Opportunity to comment on proposed 20mph schemes
Residents are invited to give their comments on new 20mph schemes after Dorset Council approved applications from five town and parish councils.
People can support, or object to the proposals, or give their comments, until mid-November.
The applications were submitted by parish/town councils representing:
- Cheselbourne
- Child Okeford
- Okeford Fitzpaine
- Winterborne Kingston
- Wimborne – Allenview Road and Burt's Hill
Each application is now going through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) public consultation, live on Dorset Council’s TRO webpages until 15 November 2024.
The council’s road safety team engaged with the parish and town councils and Dorset Council councillors, providing guidance throughout the application process.
Cllr 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.”
Assessing applications
20mph applications submitted to Dorset Council are assessed against a set of requirements, and the council will fund those schemes deemed to be a high priority.
Town and parish councils can self-fund lower priority schemes. If a proposed scheme does not meet the criteria, Dorset Council will work with town and parish councils on alternative ways to promote speed reduction, such as the installation of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs).
Schemes must offer the maximum benefit for the affected communities. This includes quality of life, healthier lifestyles, sustainability and environmental benefits, alongside other important considerations such as reduction of collisions.
The status of the road in question is also factored into the final decision: for example if it is a strategic route, primarily for the movement of motor vehicles it will not meet the requirements.
Existing speeds are also taken into account, and there should be significant community support for a 20mph limit or zone.
Anyone who requires a document in a different format should telephone the council on 01305 221000 and ask for the Traffic Regulation team.
Residents interested in the implementation of new 20mph speed limits in their local area should contact their town or parish council or local Dorset councillor (ward member).
The 20mph Panel Group comprises: Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services; Transport Planning Team Leader; Transport Planning Implementation Manager; and Road Safety Manager.
Comments
2 Comments
I am a Loders Parish councillor and strongly believe the process for introducing 20mph speed limit is far too burdensome both bureaucratically and financially. There is strong evidence that, if Dorset Council introduced a blanket 20mph speed limit on ALL 'C' roads and urban roads, it would;
* be cheaper and quicker to introduce,
* reduce signage and confusion for everyone,
* be safer for more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists,
* be more relaxing for drivers,
* reduce fuel and other maintenance costs such as insurance.
I fully agree with the lowering of the speed limit to 20mph. As a walker I cannot safely proceed on the road with the existing speeds. None of the rural villages have the benefit of a police presence and many villages are without street lighting. Many car drivers and agricultural vehicles know they can breach the rules with almost impunity so any reduction however small should increase safety of walkers, riders and cyclists.
Sadly there will always be those that will ignore the limits but hopefully this will help. The Council should also have an awareness program as many drivers are unaware of the new highway code and still believe they have full right of way on a country road where walkers don't have the luxury of a safe footpath.