The speed limit on a Weymouth road - singled out at the most dangerous in the south west - is to be reduced.

The decision to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on the A353 White Horse Hill between Preston and Osmington was agreed by Dorset County Council’s cabinet on Wednesday.

As reported, the A353 is the highest risk road in the region, having seen 12 fatal or serious crashes between 2013-15, 58 per cent of which involved motorcyclists.

The 9.2km stretch of road runs through Littlemoor, Preston, Osmington and Poxwell, up to the Warmwell Roundabout.

A number of safety measures have been introduced on the route.
There have been a number of crashes on the road in recent years sparking concerns from councillors and calls to reduce the speed.

The report, by service director Highways Andrew Martin, stated that while there is no certainty that the road will be safer if the speed limit is cut, ‘it would be reasonable to suggest’ that it will be.

Mr Martin wrote that a 40mph speed limit would ‘reinforce the typical speeds’ and that the collision history on the road is evidence for justifying a 40mph limit.

County Councillor for Linden Lea Nick Ireland fully supported the speed reduction. He said the speed limit reduction was necessary given the limited visibility and what activities take place over that length, particularly from the camp sites, rural recreation by pedestrians and cyclists and by vehicles exiting the garage.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Ireland said: “This road is so dangerous. Steps need to be taken before more people are killed.”

Cabinet member Cllr Tony Ferrari added: “There a number of ‘difficult to leave’ business premises on that stretch of road - it’s a dangerous road and reducing the speed limit is needed.”

Changing the speed limit would cost £2,750, including advertising charges.

All cabinet members unanimously decided to agree the speed reduction.

Dorset Echo:

The A353

DCC cabinet also approved a reduction speed limit for part of the C12 (Old Sherborne Road) north of Dorchester.

The affected part just under a mile long between Lower Burton and Charminster.

The speed limit will be reduced from 50mph to 40mph due to the number of crashes along this stretch.

The report before cabinet said there are multiple entrances and side roads accessing this stretch of road and traffic has increased in recent years due to the development at Charlton Down.

Cllr Gill Haynes said: “I totally support this. The reduction has also been supported by the parish council, who is going to substantially fund it. They decided they wanted the reduction to happen and want to contribute towards the costings.”

Cabinet members unanimously agreed the speed reduction.