Blanket 20mph limit considered across county town

A blanket 20mph speed limit is being considered on roads throughout Dorset's county town.

A lower speed limit across Dorchester would avoid confusion and save lives, town councillors have been told.

Under the proposals, only Middle Farm Way in Poundbury would be omitted from the town-wide restriction and remain 30mph.

Residents and motorists will be able to have their say in a forthcoming public consultation before a decision in November.

A small number of roads in the town already have 20mph limits, mostly near schools.

Town councillor Stella Jones said one of the first, in Fordington High Street, had been welcomed by residents.

A planning meeting on Monday heard a whole-town approach would need persuasion to gain widespread support, with opposition likely from taxi, bus and delivery drivers.

Councillors David Taylor and Molly Rennie told the committee it was illogical to have one exception but councillor Sue Biles, who headed the council's working group on the 20mph limit, said it was aimed at encouraging drivers to use Middle Farm Way rather Poundbury's other roads.

She said the route had wide verges, no houses on the street edge, few junctions with good visibility.

Poundbury councillor Richard Biggs said the road was originally proposed as a 40mph limit and enforcing a 20mph limit was likely to be difficult.

Town councillors will be attending events and holding talks to explain the rationale for the blanket limit, including meetings with the Civic Society, schools, bus companies, business groups, the Duchy and the Transport Action Group.

A final proposal will return to the town planning and environment committee before a final vote by full council before the request is passed to Dorset Council.