Dorset communities to be able to apply for 20 mph zones
The Council's changing its policy to make it easier for parishes
It'll soon be easier for Dorset communities to get more 20mph speed restrictions in local hotspots.
Parish or town councils will be able to apply to Dorset Council directly for the changes, so long as they meet certain criteria for the speed limits.
West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the new policy:
“I am very pleased to see Dorset Council has adopted this policy, which has the potential to greatly improve the safety of road users and pedestrians as well as the daily lives of residents living in communities affected by these issues.”
He's long campaigned for better road safety measures along the B3157 Coast Road, between Weymouth and Bridport, especially outside Burton Bradstock Primary School.
Mr Loder said:
“I would encourage all Parish Councils along the B3157 who have been affected by these sort of road safety issues to engage with Dorset Council on this and make the most of the opportunity this new policy provides.”
Can 20mph zones be enforced?
But there's a warning from some local councillors that while the new speed restrictions could be brought in to more areas, there's little in the way of resources to pay for them, and Dorset Police is unlikely to be able to enforce them.
Dorchester councillor, Les Fry, a former police officer, told a Dorset Council meeting that he welcomed the changes but said they were less than perfect.
Sherborne councillor Jon Andrews also said the process had flaws – including areas wanting to apply having to have a community speedwatch group in place for 12 months before making an application.
Weymouth’s Brian Heatley said he was also disappointed with too much emphasis on cost and enforcement.
It's been suggested that there's a £75,000 a year budget for the scheme, and each new zone could cost £5,000 for the signage alone.
Highways portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan told the Cabinet meeting that there was 'still some way to go' to persuade Dorset police to agree that they could enforce any new limits which are introduced, adding that they are already struggling with enforcement in 30 and 40mph zones.
He also said that, as the cabinet member also responsible for climate change mitigation in Dorset, he had personal concerns that lower limits might lead to greater air pollution and has asked for a further report into the issue.
Cllr Bryan said that, for HGVs in particular, it has been claimed that having to shift down through the gears, especially where there was a hill, would result in higher pollution levels.