A COMMUNITY blighted by speeding motorists has welcomed plans to introduce slower speed limits.
Burton Bradstock is among the places where Dorset Council is considering introducing 20mph limits and a public consultation has now gone live inviting comments from residents on the proposals.
Burton Bradstock residents have been calling for road safety measures for a number of years due to the speed and volume of traffic passing through on the B3157 coast road.
The plan for the village is for a 30mph limit along Common Lane (B3157) at the eastern entrance to the village from Beach Road to a point near the Texaco garage - most of this area is currently 40mph. The road through the village would then go to 20mph as far as Charles Road. Other roads in the 20mph zone include Cliff Road, Southover, part of Beach Road, Mill Street, Church Street, Middle Street and Annings Lane.
Cllr Bob Ward has been pressing for a lower limit in the village on behalf of the parish council and wider community..
He said: "The parish council have been trying for quite a while to get the speed limit down.
"We are very happy that we have moved onto this stage. It's been a long slog to get something done. It's very important that the people of Burton Bradstock are included in the consultation."
Mr Ward explained that attempts were made to make the whole stretch of Coast Road running through Burton Bradstock a 20mph limit but this was unsuccessful.
He added: "People are doing far more than 50mph when they come into the village.
"We are happy that they are offering the consultation and any changes should make it safer."
The news of the consultation has also been met with positivity from the headteacher of Burton Bradstock C of E Primary School.
Headteacher, Holly Varndell-Paulley said: "We are fully in support of the reduction in speed limits. We regularly walk our children to the beach where we have to cross the main road. A reduction in speed is a real positive for us and much needed."
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “We know how important road safety and quality of life are for our communities. These 20mph schemes are about helping people feel safer where they live, whether that’s children walking to school, older residents getting out and about, or simply making our villages and towns more pleasant places to be."
Other 20mph zones in west Dorset are proposed for Bridport (multiple ward areas), Abbotsbury, Portesham, Loders and Maiden Newton.
Feedback from residents, businesses and road users is considered alongside safety and traffic data before any final decision is made.
Residents can find out more about how schemes are developed and take part in the consultations on the Dorset Council website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/review-and-comment-on-a-traffic-regulation-order
