Motorists could see mandatory 20mph speed limits rolled out across five areas in South West England
20mph limits have caused havoc across the UK
GB NEWS
Drivers in Dorset could see new 20mph speed limits introduced across five towns and parishes, as a public consultation enters its final stages.
The Traffic Regulation Order consultation, which runs until November 15, comes after Dorset Council approved applications from local councils to reduce speed limits in their areas.
The move is part of a wider initiative to create safer and healthier streets in local communities where people walk, live and play.
Residents have been told they only have until next week to submit feedback on the lower speed limits before the council announces its final decision.
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An increasing number of 20mph speed limit roads are being rolled outPAThe new speed restrictions will affect five specific areas across Dorset, including the villages of Cheselbourne and Child Okeford.Okeford Fitzpaine and Winterborne Kingston are also set to see changes to their speed limits under the proposals.
In Wimborne, the changes will specifically target Allenview Road and Burt's Hill. These locations were selected following applications from their respective parish and town councils.
The schemes aim to create more liveable communities while maintaining practical traffic flow through these areas.
Councillor Jon Andrews 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."
He added: "Limiting speeds to 20mph where people walk, live and play is one way people can benefit from streets that are healthier and safer."
However, the council did note that this is not about implementing blanket 20mph zones across all roads.
Instead, Andrews explained that the process "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."
Assessment of the new 20mph schemes follows strict criteria set by Dorset Council, with funding prioritised for high-priority applications.
However, lower-priority schemes can still go ahead with the 20mph rollout if town and parish councils self-fund the implementation.
A significant level of community support must be demonstrated before any 20mph limit or zone can be introduced, the council warned. Local feedback on the proposals has already been met with mixed views within the community.
One local councillor argued that the current process is "too burdensome both bureaucratically and financially", suggesting that they should be introduced on all "C" roads.
Posting on social media, one resident supported the measures, citing concerns about pedestrian safety in villages. He added: "As a walker I cannot safely proceed on the road with the existing speeds."
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Motorists can be fined £100 for driving faster than 20mphPAHe acknowledged that while some drivers might ignore the limits, the changes could help improve safety for walkers, riders and cyclists.
The resident also called for an awareness programme, noting that many drivers are unfamiliar with recent Highway Code changes.
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