TOWNS and parishes around Dorset can now apply online for a 20mph speed limit zone to be intrdouced in their area.

The applications will need to meet certain requirements, and there should be sufficient support from within the community for the introduction of the scheme. 

Residents interested in the implementation of new 20mph speed limits in their local area should contact their town or parish council or local Dorset councillor (ward member).

Town/parish councils or local ward members (Dorset councillors) should submit an application form which can be found on the Dorset Council website to begin the process.

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Cllr Simon Gibson, Lead Member for Highways at Dorset Council, said: “We worked closely with town and parish councils, our own councillors, and Dorset Police over many months to develop a policy that will work for local areas, enabling schemes that offer the maximum benefit for their communities.

“The new process brings a consistent approach to dealing with applications for 20mph speed limits or zones, with a policy that is: implementable by considering national guidance; affordable, placing minimum strain on council budgets; and enforceable by the Police.

“Over the next 12 months, we will see what works and what doesn’t and amend the process accordingly.”

The council's road safety team will work alongside town and parish councils to complete an assessment when applications have been submitted. 

Each application will have to be assessed against a set of requirements and the council will fund schemes deemed to be a high priority. 

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Town and parish councils will have the opportunity to self-fund lower-priority schemes.

20mph schemes must offer the maximum benefit for the affected communities. This should include: 

  • Quality of life
  • Healthier lifestyles 
  • Sustainability and environmental benefits
  • Other important considerations such as reduction of collisions.

Brian Austin, Road Safety Operations Manager for Dorset Police, said: “We welcome the new streamlined process for communities to apply for a change to a 20mph speed restriction in their area.

“We have agreed with the local authority that 20mph zones should ‘look and feel’ like 20mph zones including a clear indication you’re entering the area through relevant signage and street furniture.

Read more: Speed limit to stay at 30mph on Bournemouth road

“All of our road safety deployments are carried out based on the level of threat, risk and harm, therefore it is anticipated that the vast majority of our speed enforcement activity will be in the higher speed restriction areas of the county.

"Enforcement in 20mph zones will only be carried out when there is a significant risk from continuous high speeds.

“We support the need for communities to actively consider the establishment of a Community Speed Watch which will provide data on the levels of increased speed in the area to allow more targeted enforcement.”

Communities considering a 20mph scheme are strongly encouraged to establish a Community Speed Watch Scheme as a way of gaining evidence of existing speeds and encouraging improved compliance with the speed limit.