FIVE towns and villages in Dorset are a step closer to implementing new 20mph speed limits and zones.

In November, Dorset Council invited town and parish councils to apply for lower speed limits in their areas and eight applications were considered.

Five of these have been successful. These are:

  • Bridport town centre
  • Langton Matravers
  • Wimborne town centre
  • Winfrith Newburgh
  • Pimperne

The applications are now being assessed for funding and will then go through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation where residents can give their comments, support, or object to the proposals.

An application for Poundbury requires 'further investigation', Dorset Council said, while Fifehead Magdalen in north Dorset paused its application to consider an alternative application for a speed indicator device.

Meanwhile, Fontmell Magna in north Dorset did not meet the required criteria, the local authority added.

All applicants have been notified of the results, while applications made since March 1 and up until August 31 will be considered later this year.

There are four further applications already in the pipeline and another 38 areas expressing an interest, Dorset Council said. 

As reported, Beaminster in west Dorset was another town seeking to extend its 20mph zones. 

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways and travel, said: “This initiative is in response to community concerns about road safety and healthy areas in towns and villages.

“We are committed to working with local towns and parishes to promote road safety. Limiting speeds to 20mph where people walk, live and play is one way people can benefit from streets that are healthier and safer.

“The process does not seek to set a 20mph limit as the default for all roads where people and vehicle traffic mix but it takes a consistent approach to dealing with applications."

Ian Vaughan Arbuckle, representing Langton Matravers Parish Council, added: “We are delighted to have cleared the first and probably the most difficult hurdle in our quest to get a 20mph limit through the centre of the village.

"This is something residents have wanted for many years. The new limit will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for residents and make the centre of the village a far safer place.”

Each application is assessed against a set of requirements, and Dorset Council said it will fund those schemes deemed to be a high priority.

Town and parish councils will have the opportunity to self-fund lower priority schemes, it said, adding that schemes 'must offer the maximum benefit for the affected communities'.

This includes quality of life and environmental benefits, alongside a reduction in collisions. The status of the road in question is also factored into the final decision, as are existing speeds.