REDUCING the speed limit on a stretch of the Wessex Way has cut the number of accidents by more than a third, Bournemouth council claims.

Following the announcement that the 40mph limit between St Paul’s and County Gates will remain in force for another six months, the council has released accident statistics to the Echo.

These show that between 2004 and 2008, there were an average of 2.4 accidents and 3.3 casualties a month. But between February and May this year, this reduced to an average of 1.5 accidents and 2 casualties – a drop of 37.5 per cent and 39.4 per cent respectively. This is the only period statistics are currently available for.

Ian Kalra, transportation manager, said: “Early indications suggest that the temporary speed restriction has had an impact in reducing the numbers of accidents resulting in injuries along this stretch of the Wessex Way.

“However, they are only an early indication and measured over a short period of time and that is why we believe it is sensible to allow time to gain more data over a minimum of 12 months before we come to a final conclusion.”

However, critics of the reduced speed limit claim you would expect fewer accidents between February and May and then an increase in the busier summer months.

The trial is now due to finish at the end of January 2011, when the council will analyse the data and decide whether to make the 40mph limit permanent, revert to 50mph or continue with the 40mph limit under the experimental order.