CONCERNED residents of Tatnam Road say they feel vindicated but have called for clarity after data revealed examples of drivers travelling more than 15mph over the speed limit.

As reported, a traffic counting device was installed on the residential street in February as controversy surrounding the road reopening continued to loom.

Tatnam Road in Poole has been the source of contention for more than two years after being subjected to a trial closure in response to an increasing number of speeding offences.

The Daily Echo asked to view the results of the traffic counter, which was in place until early March having been extended due to the impact of Storm Eunice and February half term.

Bournemouth Echo: Traffic counter installed in Tatnam Road, PooleTraffic counter installed in Tatnam Road, Poole

Despite being unable to provide a full breakdown of results, BCP Council did reveal that of the 2,000 to 2,500 cars travelling down the road a day a “small proportion” were found to be speeding at more than 35mph.

In reaction, a Tatnam Road Safety Group spokesperson said: “The people who speed are in the minority, not the majority. However, what we should be able to know is what percentage of all cars is that ‘small proportion’ because that’s very vague.

“If we say it’s 10 per cent of 2,000 a day, that’s still 200 cars going well over the limit. This has been our argument all along and we firmly believe that some people do travel at between 40 and 50mph down Tatnam Road.

“We’ve got the sad view that the council are just waiting until something serious happens. We’re not anti-car, we just want people to keep within the speed limit which is not a lot to ask.”

Bournemouth Echo: Tatnam Road in PooleTatnam Road in Poole

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “The survey was completed in March and showed that overall mean traffic speeds are within a close margin of those that can be expected in a 20mph zone. We are considering the results and the issues residents are reporting to decide whether any additional interventions might be helpful and affordable.

“As is often the case with speed surveys, some individual cases of much higher speeds were recorded and we would ask all residents to respect the speed limits here and elsewhere for their own safety and the safety of others.”

However, for the safety group, this urge must be enforced. They added: “It’s all very well encouraging safe driving but that just isn’t a reality. It must be enforced. Why do we even have the No Excuse policy when it’s clear that many motorists do not adhere?

“We’re not talking a few miles an hour over, we’re talking more than 15, is that acceptable?”