RESIDENTS have hit out at BCP Council claiming speeding and dangerous driving have already returned to their road.

The controversial re-opening of Tatnam Road in Poole has been called into question, with no traffic calming measures implemented and residents struggling to get answers from leaders.

The road in Poole has been the source of contention for more than two years after being subjected to a trial closure in response to an increasing number of speeding offences.

In December last year, BCP Council’s cabinet decided to reopen the road to traffic – a decision praised by motorists left angered by an apparent traffic increase, and criticised by residents and some councillors who called the decision a “political ploy”.

Now, approximately 60 residents are taking action. The Tatnam Road Safety Group has been formed to communicate with the council a desire for more traffic calming measures amid claims that speeding and dangerous driving has “already returned” to the road.

Bournemouth Echo: Tatnam Road in PooleTatnam Road in Poole

Since the 20mph road was reopened, no additional calming measures have been implemented – which a group spokesperson says makes residents question what “the whole point of the closure was in the first place”.

“We can’t get any replies from councillors about what they intend to do about the safety problems.

“We should make it clear that we’re not anti-motorists or anti-car, most of us drive cars ourselves. What we are, however, is anti-aggressive speeders and unfortunately the speeders are back.”

The group added they have received next to no responses from council representatives about their concerns, suggestions denied by the authority.

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A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We examine all sites where safety concerns have been raised by members of the public. Our process then involves comparing the number of accidents at each site to ensure that we prioritise the available money, spending it on where it is likely to be most effective in reducing casualties.

“Tatnam Road will be included in this process alongside others.

“All enquiries or concerns by residents of Tatnam Road are being answered by our officers who aim to respond within 10 working days. We are not aware of any current enquiries about Tatnam Road which have exceeded this.”

Despite this response, the action group says their concerns have not been answered. They added: “Maybe it’s naïve but we’re amazed at the lack of response, it’s like we don’t exist. It feels like they just want us to go away, but we’re not going to.

“We’re concerned about the real dangers of speeding drivers who are already back. We feel [BCP] should have the integrity to say ‘we’ve reopened but we’ve taken what you’ve said on board and here’s what we’re going to do’.

“This is just building determination on our side.”

Previously, Parkstone councillor Ann Stribley said the council could “certainly look into” measures such as speed bumps and build outs if there were grounds to do so.