PLANS to extend 20mph speed limits in Broadstone have been unveiled by council highways chiefs.
The measures would see the speed limit on several of the main roads in the Poole neighbourhood dropped from 30mph.
A consultation has been launched over the plans for parts of Dunyeats Road and Lower Blandford Road, as well as Ridgeway, Macauley Road and the southern part of Tudor Road and many other residential roads in the area.
A 20mph limit is already in force in the area of Station Approach and Moor Road.
BCP Council is also proposing entry and exit restrictions or a low traffic neighbourhood in Ridgeway and the southern part of Tudor Road to combat ‘rat-running’.
Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for transport, said: “This consultation is a great opportunity for Broadstone’s residents, businesses and visitors to let us know what they think of our plans.
“These proposals address the concerns of local people, in particular those regarding the safety of local schoolchildren, while also contributing to BCP Council’s aim of creating vibrant communities with outstanding quality of life where everyone plays an active role.
“By introducing a lower speed limit and creating a safer neighbourhood for pedestrians and cyclists, we can create a better, quieter and more sustainable environment for many years to come.”
The local authority said the schemes have been developed following concerns about excessive vehicle speeds, poor parking and residential roads being used as shortcuts.
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Speed surveys were conducted in November last year, which confirmed that several drivers were exceeding 30mph within the proposed area.
The plans have been backed by Broadstone ward councillors Vikki Slade and Mike Brooke.
“We have campaigned for more than a decade for the centre of Broadstone to benefit from a 20mph zone and we are pleased that the council is now ready to consult on this scheme which links with the existing school zone at Dunyeats Road,” said Cllr Slade.
“We are also aware of issues with rat-running so we welcome the chance to consult with residents about changes in the Ridgeway area to help local residents and encourage walking and cycling.”
Cllr Brooke added: “I am pleased that residents now have the opportunity to comment on the proposals for 20mph as well as on the possible schemes for the central part of Broadstone.
"Hopefully there will be support for the proposals so that we can move forward with improving the quality of the environment and making the area safer for everyone.”
The two options for changes in Tudor Road and Ridgway are:
- Entry/exit restrictions – no entry for motor vehicles to southern part of Tudor Road from Dunyeats Road and no exit for motor vehicles from Ridgeway to Dunyeats Road
- Low traffic neighbourhood – in Macauley Road through motor traffic would be prevented from travelling beyond a point approximately half-way between the junctions of Kirkway and southern part of Tudor Road and in Ridgeway through motor traffic would be prevented from travelling beyond a point at the northern corner of the junction with Westheath Road.
Some low traffic neighbourhood schemes made up part of BCP Council's active travel schemes, which drew a big reaction from residents last year.
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The Broadstone projects would use Department for Transport funding allocated as a Local Transport Plan Grant to implement the schemes, if they get the go ahead.
Letters regarding the consultation have been sent to residents, businesses and organisations in the immediate area.
To take part in the consultation, which runs until Monday, February 22, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/broadstone20mph.
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