TWENTY new wayfinding totems have been installed across Poole town centre, in a bid to encourage residents to walk or cycle instead of using their cars.

The totems, which provide information about the town and maps maps, direct people to key destinations such as the bus and rail stations, hospital, stadium, ferry port, Dolphin Shopping Centre, leisure centre, high street and Poole Quay.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport said: “The wayfinding totems are a good example of how we are investing our central government-funded Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) grant to help transform travel in south east Dorset.

"They are designed to encourage both residents and visitors to walk, cycle and take other forms of sustainable transport, rather than using their car.

"By providing clear information, the maps will show how quick and easy it is to walk or hop on a bike or bus to access local amenities and to explore the local neighbourhood.”

The totems have been installed as part of BCP Council’s Transforming Travel programme which encourages residents and visitors to walk and cycle rather than drive.

They have been funded by a combination of money from the £102million TCF programme secured from central government by BCP and Dorset councils and Local Growth Deal Funding from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

A BCP Council spokesman said: "The wayfinding totems in Poole supplement the existing signage in central Bournemouth and will also be installed at key points along the TCF sustainable travel routes currently under construction.

"In addition, a number of 'smart totems' with interactive displays will be provided giving up to the minute information on bus and train times, Beryl Bike and e-scooter availability plus other local information.

"The next tranche of totem installations will be delivered in Christchurch town centre and are expected to be completed in the autumn."