NEW 20mph zones are set to be introduced across Poole soon.

The council says it is in the “final stages of planning” a number of new 20mph zones in “densely populated residential areas”.

These are:

  • Alderney – Belben Road and Bedford Road South areas
  • Alexandra Park
  • Churchfield Road
  • Danecourt Road
  • Harbour Reach
  • Hamworthy Park
  • Tatnam

The council has created maps marking out areas which will be subject to the new speed limit. Roads which will become 20mph in the Harbour Reach area include Blandford Road between the Bridge Approach junction and the Ivor Road junction.

In Hamworthy Park, the 20mph zone in Ashmore Avenue and part of Lulworth Avenue will be extended to cover the whole road and adjoining roads including Branksea Avenue. The zone will also include Rockley Road and adjoining roads.

And the 20mph zone in Alexandra Park will encompass Alexandra Road, Langdon Road, Vale Road, and Crescent Road.

Ann Smeaton, secretary of Friends of Hamworthy Park, said she welcomed a speed reduction in the surrounding roads.

“Certainly Lulworth Avenue is a bit of a rat run, and there are schools in the area. Safety does come into it.

“I think it’s a good idea to make these roads 20mph, although people don’t travel that fast in Hamworthy anyway.

“I think people will be pleased with this,” she added.

Existing 20mph zones in Poole include the town centre, which came into force last year, Heckford Park, Courthill Road, Cromer Road, and Salterns Road.

Newton was the first area to have a residential 20mph zone to improve road safety.

Poole council said it hoped the 20mph speed limits soon to be introduced would improve the “safety and quality of life for local people by promoting more considerate driving”.

The council is also hoping it will encourage people “to make greater use of our streets for walking, cycling, playing or just socialising”.

No physical measures to reduce the speed, such as chicanes or humps in the road, are planned; instead, there will be road signs and ‘roundels’ with ‘20’ painted on the road.