Drivers using a narrow Dorchester road as a short-cut to avoid a ‘no turn’ order at Great Western Cross will soon face restrictions.

Residents in Victoria Road say they have been subjected to an increase in traffic since the changes were made to the nearby busy crossroads which includes a left turn ban for traffic approaching the junction down Damers Road.

That ban, despite Victoria Road being made ‘access only’, has seen a steady increase in drivers using the street to avoid the main road junction. Other also use it in the opposite direction at peak times.

But now the county council wants to impose a 20mph limit and traffic calming measures in an attempt to deter drivers who flout the law.

The new restrictions will also apply to other roads off Victoria Road – Westover Road, St Helens Road and Albert Road to the west of Cornwall Road.

Dorchester town councillors heard on Tuesday that more than three quarters of residents in the area support the new traffic calming measures in a recent public consultation.

They will include road humps and ‘gateway’ signs to signify the start and end of the zone.

County and town councillor Andy Canning, who chairs the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan stakeholder group, which oversees local traffic orders, told town councillors at their meeting on Tuesday evening that the new order would be processed by County Hall officials in the coming weeks after winning widespread support and no statutory objections.

Further details can be found on the Dorset for You website.