BCP Council intends to drop speed limit down to 20mph

BCP Council is looking to make the conurbation’s roads a default 20mph limit, deputy council leader Millie Earl said. 

The divisive measures have been subject to fierce national debate. Those against them believe that congestion would get worse, however, others say it would improve safety. 

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Cllr Earl told a full council meeting: “Will BCP Council implement a 20mph default speed limit? Yes, that is our intention. 

“There will be some roads that are exempt on the basis of need and capacity. It is also likely that the roll-out will take some time working alongside communities and finding the needs for funding such a widespread change.” 

Cllr Millie Earl made the announcement (Image: BCP Council)

In October, the council’s environment portfolio holder Cllr Andy Hadley promised a full public consultation would be made ahead of any decision. 

Cllr Earl said the council is “keen to hear the views of the whole community” and there will be a meeting with the campaign group 20 is Plenty in the coming days. 

BCP Council’s latest claim has sparked fury with opposition, who said the announcement comes as a surprise.

Read more: Council in 'early stages' to bring in more 20mph speed limits

Cllr Phil Broadhead slammed the "out of the blue" announcement from the Lib Dem deputy leader as "extremely worrying".

He said: "Not only was this announcement before any consultation, but according to Cllr Earl was because 'that is what the Three Towns Alliance councillors campaigned on during the local elections'.

"Many of us warned that voting for these parties would see a return to anti-car measures, and this announcement, coupled with others such as the closure of Poole Park to through traffic, again without pre-consultation, shows that we were right.”

Cllr Phil Broadhead, leader of Conservatives (Image: Daily Echo)

Poole MP Sir Robert Syms said implementing a general 20mph speed limit is "nuts".

He said: "I would support 20mph near schools but a general policy I think is nuts. It is unpopular in London and in Wales and it will upset my constituents if implemented."

An Echo poll in November showed 82 per cent of 2,871 people would not support a blanket 20mph speed limit, 17 per cent would and one per cent didn't know.

Cllr Earl added: “20mph, by default, in a built-up urban area would be beneficial to people walking, wheeling and cycling and as highlighted would also benefit public health and air quality. 

“I represent the Newtown and Heatherlands ward and we have seen the benefits of large-scale 20mph speed limits which were introduced in 2010 and extended in subsequent years to cover almost all the ward.” 

Poole resident Adam Osman, founder of Cycling Rebellion, said slower speed limits would “really encourage more cycle journeys”, improve public health and reduce road fatalities. 

He said: “We need to halve the number of miles driven in order to meet climate change goals even if we switch all cars to electric.”