No referendum to be held on 20mph limits in BCP

The idea was suggested during a full council meeting on Tuesday evening, April 24 in response to concerns BCP Council’s administration has not asked residents want regarding reduced speed limits. 

Kinson councillor Cameron Adams said that while the initial money to start rolling out 20mph in the conurbation is £149k, it “could be millions in the future”. 

“Let's have a referendum on what people want,” he said.

• Would you like to have your say on 20mph limits? Send us your letters for publication to letters@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Independent Bournemouth councillor Stephen Bartlett said he doesn’t think the Three Towns Alliance has a mandate to bring in these 20mph areas. 

Stephen Bartlett said listen to the residents

“This wasn’t on anybody’s electoral manifesto that I can recall,” he said. “It suddenly came up because somebody wanted to do it thinking it is a good idea. 

“If it’s not broken why try to fix it? You can fix it in the bits that need it and that already happens. Why waste money? Listen to the residents – it's their money you’re wasting. Stop it.”

Christchurch Commons councillor Margaret Phipps said: “The amendment will give the council a chance to get some facts and figures together and actually consult on an area basis.  

“Let’s do it, let’s actually find out what our residents want. Because I think that's what we should be doing.  

“This council does not have a mandate in such an extensive manner 20mph across BCP.” 

Labour leader Patrick Canavan said the process is “really flawed”, adding: “To approach it in this way is clumsy.

“We all want to reduce casualties on the road, but this is in my view not the way to go about it.” 

Read more: BCP Council intends to drop speed limit down to 20mph

Talbot Woods councillor Phil Broadhead added: “I don’t think anybody should deny that appropriate restrictions to speed limits can really help to improve safety and 20mph can play a part. 

“But it should be in the right location with the right engagement and led by the evidence.” 

Hamworthy councillor Peter Cooper said: “The communities need to go with us on this because if they don’t, it’s political suicide for whatever party you are on.  

“It will have massive repercussions on if we don’t think clearly and collectively about how we roll this out.” 

Labour leader Patrick Canavan (Image: NQ)

Council leader Vikki Slade said: “We’re not signing up or millions of pounds because this is part of the annual budget process. 

“We’re allocating £149k. Next year there will be a budget that comes forward and we will allocate within the budget next year. We discuss the budget together every year.  

“If people want to allocate more or less next year, we can do through the budget process.” 

The Conservatives' amendment was voted down by councillors during the meeting.

Dorset Police has said it “will not be able to supply additional resources to monitor and enforce any” speed reduction, but it would support a reduction where “clear evidence” indicates a drop in crashes. 

Meanwhile Go South Coast (owners of Morebus) warned that if not carefully considered, a drop to 20mph could “increase operational costs leading to some routes no longer being commercially viable”.