Drivers have been warned about new 20mph speed limits coming in across a major region which risk impacting thousands of residents.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has launched a consultation on plans to introduce 20mph speed limits in Winton and surrounding areas, with residents having until April 28 to share their views.
The proposal aims to make roads safer in the area, which includes parts of Charminster, Moordown and Talbot Woods.
This forms part of a wider initiative, with the council already having established 77 20mph speed limits or zones across the BCP area.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
20mph limits would impact a substantial portion of roads in Winton
PAThe consultation specifically targets those who live, work, shop or travel through the affected neighbourhoods.
The proposed 20mph zone encompasses key roads including Wimborne Road (Winton High Street), Alma Road (including the crossroad junction) and Ensbury Park Road.
The area contains 11 schools, with children's safety cited as a primary reason for reducing the speed limit from 30mph.
The main roads bordering the zone but not included in the plans are Talbot Avenue, Boundary Road and Wimborne Road beyond Ensbury Park Road in Moordown.
Most other affected routes are residential streets such as Leslie Road, Osborne Road, Frampton Road and Luther Road. Winton was selected as the first area for potential implementation because data identified it as the worst area in the conurbation for crashes.
The need for more lower speeds follows evidence from BCP Council's road safety data which found that over 10 years there has been a 40 per cent reduction in casualty collisions in areas where 20mph limits have been implemented.
The council added that in the time it takes a car travelling at 20mph to stop, a vehicle moving at 30mph would still be doing 24mph.
Statistics also highlighted that when someone is hit at 30mph, they are around five times more likely to be killed than when hit at 20mph.
Crash data from 2019 to 2023 recorded the extent of the problem in the area, with 217 collisions taking place in the Winton area alone.
These incidents resulted in 36 people being seriously injured and 181 receiving minor injuries with the proposed measures aiming to address these statistics by creating a safer environment for all road users, particularly vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Rich Herrett, cabinet member responsible for road safety at BCP Council, said: "We are committed to making roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole safer for everyone and this proposal for a 20mph neighbourhood for Winton and the surrounding area is ultimately about saving lives.
"We promised to give local people more say over the decisions that affect their communities, and this consultation is exactly that. This is your neighbourhood, it is where you live, where you work and where your children play and go to school, so we want to hear from you before any decision is made."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Map of the proposed 20mph limits in the borough
BCP COUNCIL
Two drop-in events will be held at Winton Library where council officers will be available to answer questions.
These sessions are scheduled for Thursday, April 3 between 3pm and 5.45pm, and Friday, April 4 between 11.30am and 2:30pm.
