North Dorset village gets new 30 mph speed limits
They've been introduced to try and improve road safety in Bourton
Speed limits have been reduced to 30mph on several roads in the village of Bourton in north Dorset.
It's aimed at improving safety and road conditions for all, and follows a request from the Parish Council for the change.
Dorset Council worked closely with the parish council, residents and Dorset Police in bringing in the reduction.
A 30mph limit now applies to New Road; High Street; Tan Lane; Olde Fairfield; Silton Road; Mill Lane; Brickyard Lane; West Bourton Road; Old Pound Court; Church Track; Woolcott Lane; and Chaffeymoor Hill.
Jack Wiltshire, Head of Highways at Dorset Council, said:
“We encourage local communities to decide upon new speed management measures in their areas, and we listened to the concerns of residents and the parish council before introducing these new limits.
“People were also able to provide comments via a public consultation before the final decision was made.
“Reducing speed limits aims to make areas safer for all and a full range of measures is considered before a new limit is introduced.
“Nevertheless, motorists should always drive responsibly and according to the conditions of the road, prioritising the safely of themselves and others.”
Bourton Parish Council said:
"It has been a long process but, following a speed reduction campaign led by Bourton Parish Council, a very well supported petition and over ten years of speed monitoring in the village, the local community welcomes the new 30mph limit wholeheartedly."
Residents seeking a speed limit reduction in their area should, in the first instance, make a request to their local town or parish council or ward councillor.
Dorset Council adopts the safe systems approach which aims to establish appropriate speed limits according to the features of the road, the function it serves, and the physical tolerance of those who use it.
Changes to speed limits are calculated using guidance from the Department for Transport reflecting the nature of the road and the average speeds of the traffic.