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Speed limit drop to protect drivers (From Dorset Echo)
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Speed limit drop to protect drivers
11:58am Friday 18th July 2008
A NEW temporary 40mph speed limit has been introduced on the Weymouth-Bridport coast road to keep motorists safe because its surface is deteriorating.
The limit was brought in by Dorset County Council because the authority said it wanted to protect motorists while a new safety project scheduled for 2009-2010 is being looked at for the road.
County management engineer Andrew Berry said: "Designs are currently being drawn up for the B3157 coast road safety project between Chickerell and Bridport which will take place between 2009-10.
"These will consider what materials will be used, particularly for the road surface, based on a detailed accident analysis.
"Currently, some sections of the road surface are deteriorating, particularly in hot weather.
"As the designs for the route are still being finalised, temporary speed limits have been introduced to keep speeds down and motorists safe during the summer. We hope the new surfacing will be installed later this year."
Weymouth and Portland mayor and community health and safety spokesman Councillor Tim Munro said: "I think it is prudent to have this limit for people's safety, but it is unfortunate that the condition of the road has deteriorated so much that this limit has had to be introduced.
"I hope the surface is dealt with as quickly as possible because a lot of people from Weymouth and Portland use that road on a regular basis."
Inspector Peter Meteau of Weymouth Police welcomed the 40mph limit and said: "It is a priority for Dorset Police to reduce the number of road deaths on county roads.
"People coming to our area during the summer may not be familiar with this road and if the surface is poor then it is an additional factor which might cause an accident."
Bridport Town Council has also been made aware of the safety project plans.
Town clerk Bob Gillis said: "The town council is aware that road improvements are planned for the B3157 coast road and it hopes to be fully involved and consulted."
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THAT'S THE LIMIT: The new 40mph speed limit on the B3157 coast road between Chickerell and Portesham HG3756
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