FURTHER concerns have been raised over a full 20mph roll out across the roads of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. 

Officers at BCP Council recommended in a report that the authority should plough on with its proposals and has said £149k will be needed for 2024/25 to start rolling out changes.

However, the officers said that “although desirable” to cover all residential roads in the conurbation, it would cost more than £300m and cannot be put forward. 

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BCP Council’s director for infrastructure Julian McLaughlin, head of transport Richard Pincroft and transport network manager Richard Pearson asked the police and Morebus for their opinions. 

Read more: BCP Council intends to drop speed limit down to 20mph

Dorset Police has said it “will not be able to supply additional resources to monitor and enforce any” speed reduction, but it would support a reduction where “clear evidence” indicates a drop in crashes. 

Meanwhile Go South Coast (owners of Morebus) warned that if not carefully considered, a drop to 20mph could “increase operational costs leading to some routes no longer being commercially viable”. 

The company added 20mph speed limits should be in place on roads “where it is appropriate”. 

Meanwhile the report by the council’s officers said that the benefits to slowing vehicles down on roads would include “promoting an increase in active travel” and making high streets “safer”. 

Bournemouth Echo: Residential roads in Wales will be reduced to 20mph (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

It added: “All roads within and on the boundaries of proposed areas or zones would be considered for 20mph treatment including for example local centres on distribution roads.” 

It noted Winton high street as an example. 

The report added some groups of people who rely on cars for work, such as taxi drivers, carers or disabled people, will be affected. 

It added: “The profile of people who proportionately drive more – men, middle aged groups, people without a disability, white British, heterosexuals and Christians will generally consider their freedoms associated with driving are being compromised, though individual views may vary.” 

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 support it, and one per cent didn't know. 

Deputy council leader Millie Earl previously said default 20mph speed limits would “be beneficial to people walking, wheeling and cycling and as highlighted would also benefit public health and air quality”. 

“Local evidence suggests that 20mph speed limit only schemes are effective at reducing the number and severity of collisions that result in injuries and death on roads,” the report added. 

“This report therefore recommends that a dedicated 20mph speed limit budget is established.” 

The money would come from the Department for Transport’s local transport plan and the council’s Three Towns Alliance cabinet will vote on the money later this year.