THE council is in the early stages of looking at bringing in restrictions on motorists and slow down cars, a senior councillor has said.
BCP Council is looking to bring in 20mph speed limits across residential areas.
However, changes would only go ahead following a consultation.
The divisive 20mph blanket limits have been at the centre of fierce national debate.
Supporters claim they would improve safety, meanwhile, critics warn it will cause congestion.
BCP Council’s opposition leader Cllr Phil Broadhead said the council should not look for “unpopular schemes” to make life “harder for working people”.
He said: “There has been much talk in the council about looking to bring in 20mph roads across the whole area, which seem to be fully supported by both Labour and the Liberal Democrats - who now run the council.
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“Our position is simple: there are much more important things to be focusing on than new measures to restrict car users even further, which inevitably negatively impacts the most vulnerable.
“We urge the council to spend their time looking at supporting our local economy by, for instance, reversing their plan to scrap Christmas lights, rather than unpopular schemes which only make life harder for working people.”
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy, said: “Other councils have implemented more widespread measures, and we are in the early stages of looking at a range of options around possible 20mph speed limit areas.
“Should any new limits then be proposed, we will conduct a full public consultation before making any final decisions.”
Read more: Motorist receives a speeding ticket in Barrack Road driving under the limit
He added: “There are a number of 20mph zones around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area that have been in place for a long time, to improve safety especially close to schools, playgrounds, and in residential areas.”
Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said it “can’t be right” that 20mph zones are “imposed without proper local consent” with the Government planning to curb the use of the lower speed limits.
He added: “We will change the Department for Transport’s guidance, requiring councils to only use 20mph zones where there is a good reason and underlining that 30mph is the default speed limit on urban roads.”
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