SPEED limits near The Blandford School look set to drop to 20mph.

County traffic chiefs say they have won the backing of Dorset Police and local councils, and, barring public objections, will start work on a raft of traffic calming measures this summer.

The 20mph zone on Milldown Road will be extended by 300 metres, taking in the northern entrance to the school's Milldown building.

The road will narrow on the northerly approach to the 20mph zone, and motorists will pass through a "priority gateway".

A raised area on the road's surface will be flanked by two concrete blocks on either side of the road, forming a "pinch point" that will force drivers to slow before passing through.

Motorists will be forced to come to a complete stop when faced with traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

Two-way traffic will resume outside the gateway, but four pairs of "speed cushions" will force motorists to watch their speed.

The 1.8 metre wide "cushions" will be placed equally along the length of the new 20mph zone, including one pair to be placed either side of the school entrance.

A bus lay-by will be moved 50 metres south of its current location to make room for a new zebra crossing.

A raised road surface and new road markings will increase the visibility of the pedestrian crossing point.

Blandford's mayor, Cllr Steve Hitchings, welcomed the extension of the speed zone.

"It's a fantastic thing for Blandford.

"We have got to protect the children," said Mr Hitchings.

The civic leader added that the decision would have popular support.

"Speed has come up several times at Pact meetings," said Mr Hitchings, referring to the gatherings of multi-agency groups.

Sally Wilson, the head teacher of The Blandford School said she was delighted by the plans.

"Traffic calming outside the school should be supported. We have been talking to the local authority since the school reorganised in 2005," said Mrs Wilson.