Reduced speed limit near Badbury Rings has made drivers slow down

Cutting the speed limit on the B3082 Blandford Road near Badbury Rings has led to a 'significant drop' in drivers going at excess speeds, according to Dorset Council.

They reduced the limit from 60 to 50mph in July 2023, with the aim of improving safety along the route and at the junctions for Shapwick, Sturminster Marshall and Badbury Rings itself.

Data's been released by the authority, based on an average of 7,000 vehicles using the road each day - that's found that:

• Before the speed limit reduction, 13.07% of users measured were travelling in excess of 60mph

• Since the speed reduction, the percentage travelling over 60mph reduced to 3.86%

• Those measured travelling at speeds above 70mph reduced from 1.51% to 0.62%

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.”

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.