Public express views at Ringwood Road pop-in event

Work will start later this year on active travel works for sections of Ringwood Road (B3068) in Oakdale, which will be transformed with the introduction of protected cycle lanes, narrower traffic lanes, wider pavements and safer pedestrian road crossings.

Although the plans are already approved, the information event was held after numerous residents complained they were not aware of the public consultation last year and expressed concerns over the plans.

The information event was held on Wednesday, June 8, at the TS Dolphin Sea Cadet Hall.

Ringwood Road in Poole

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “The event was an opportunity for residents and businesses to see how the council has considered the feedback from the formal consultation last year, to ask questions about the design and to meet the project team ahead of construction.

“It also aimed to raise awareness about the introduction of a bus lane and changes to speed limits and parking.

“We estimate that the event, which was widely publicised, was attended by 80 to 100 people. A range of views were expressed and we look forward to working with the local community in the run up to and during construction which start later this year.”

New road layout plan for sections of Ringwood Road, Poole. Picture: BCP Council

Residents on social media also expressed a range of views, with some praising the increase in pedestrian crossings and others criticising the new layouts for being “impossible” to navigate.

One man said: “Improvements to the pavements cycle lanes and crossings along the Ringwood Road is long overdue so I’m glad about this.”

Others directed praise at planners for reversing the decision to have a no right turn system into Rossmore Road after complaints that it would increase congestion on the nearby mini roundabouts.

One mother added: “I’m glad to see there will be a better crossing on Ringwood Road at the top of Rossmore Road. I’ve had to stand on the island for ages with my children many times before, it will be much safer.”

CGI of Ringwood Road looking north towards Casterbridge Road. Picture: BCP Council

However, others criticised an apparent over-exertion of two-way cycle lanes on both sides of parts of the B3068. One said: “If I’m coming out of Haskells Road turning right I will have to cross a bus lane, two-way cycle lane and the traffic to get across. That will be impossible.”

Another said: “I support safer roads, but I don't support drivers being at the bottom of the consideration list when roads are 'upgraded', especially when the completed cycle lanes are never used.”

Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Features/Transforming-Travel for more information.