Campaigners fear 'watering down' of Lyme Regis 20mph plans
A reduced speed limit was being proposed throughout the town
There are fears plans to bring in a 20 mph speed limit for the whole of Lyme Regis could be 'watered down'.
The Town Council commissioned Dorset Council to carry out speed surveys, as well as talking to the public.
But there are now concerns the a 20mph speed limit may only be brought in for outside schools.
A meeting about the idea is due to be held by Lyme Regis Town Council next week (October 23rd).
Residents have raised concerns about safety for pedestrians, traffic speed on roads into the town and problems on narrow lanes without pavements.
Dorset Councillor for Lyme and Charmouth, Belinda Bawden, said:
“It’s important that the Town Council doesn’t backtrack on its previous support which prioritises pedestrian safety over vehicles.
“Residents in Lyme Regis have been asking the council to do something about road safety and the huge volumes of traffic in the town for many years. Ever since I was elected to Dorset Council in April 2022, residents in numerous areas across the town have been asking for speeding restrictions as many of them do not feel safe walking into town or even crossing their own street.
"The future health, safety and well-being of our residents who want to feel safe near their homes and walking into town, now seems to be hanging in the balance."
Other nearby towns including Axminster and Bridport already have 20 mph schemes in place and neighbouring Uplyme and Charmouth are progressing plans for 20mph limits.