Dorset's 20mph Revolution: A Safer Journey or a Speed Limit Showdown?
Dorset is rolling out the red carpet for a 20mph speed limit revolution, with 10 towns and villages set to join the scheme before Easter. This isn't just a random decision; it's the third phase of Dorset Council's ambitious 20mph policy, introduced in 2022. But here's the twist: are these speed limits actually making a difference?
The affected areas include Lyme Regis, Beaminster, Briantspuddle, Pymore, Gillingham, Milborne St Andrew, Yetminster, St Leonards, Upton, and Winterborne Whitechurch. Parish and town councils already implementing these limits claim they've made their communities safer and encouraged more walking. However, some residents believe that stricter enforcement is necessary to ensure compliance.
Wimborne and Cheselbourne have already tasted the 20mph policy, with Wimborne being part of the first phase in 2024 and Cheselbourne following suit in 2025. Cheselbourne Parish Council's chairman, Andrew Taylor, reported a positive outcome, with most villagers voting in favor of the reduced speed limit. He noted, 'We would agree that, broadly, most people are adhering to it.'
Wimborne Town Council echoed similar sentiments, praising the speed limits for improving safety perceptions and encouraging walking. Yet, they also acknowledged the time and effort required for compliance and behavior change, emphasizing the need for appropriate enforcement and complementary measures.
But here's where it gets controversial. Research from the Department for Transport reveals that three-quarters of drivers exceed the 20mph limit on 'free-flowing' sections of roads. In Beaminster, ward councillor Craig Monks sees the 20mph zone as a positive step towards road safety but calls for stronger police enforcement. He states, 'Asking for this reduction is not the only thing we are looking at. I see this as a first step.'
Monks highlights the importance of traffic calming, safer crossing areas, and more proactive enforcement by Dorset Council and Dorset Police. Insp Lee Turner from the Dorset Police Roads Policing Team confirms their dedication to ensuring safe driving within speed limits, employing safety cameras and collaborating with community speed watch groups.
Dorset Council's place services councillor, Jon Andrews, justifies the speed limits as a result of a thorough community-driven process. He explains, 'Each application was carefully assessed against clear criteria to ensure that a 20mph scheme will give the maximum benefit for the affected communities.'
The council's local transport plan budget allocates £75,000 annually to support 20mph schemes in high-priority areas, with a relatively simple 20mph scheme costing around £10,000.
So, is Dorset's 20mph revolution a success or a work in progress? The answer lies in the balance between community safety, driver compliance, and effective enforcement. The question remains: Can we strike the right balance to make our roads safer without sacrificing the freedom of the open road?
