EXTRA funding has been given to improve road safety along a stretch of road in Bournemouth. 

BCP Council has been given £1.89m of investment to implement additional measures which would in theory reduce crashes along the A35 Christchurch Road. 

The money is allocated to the road between Iford – through Boscombe and Pokesdown – and St Pauls Roundabout in Bournemouth as well as Ashley Road and surrounding areas. 

As well as road safety, current proposals also focus on improving accessibility for pedestrians and disabled people, with the aim of making the area more inviting and safer for everyone. 

Read more: Cycle lanes in Christchurch Road in Boscombe are ‘unusable’

These measures include:  

  • Additional crossing facilities for pedestrians and people who cycle with footpath widening at St. Swithun’s roundabout and a new contraflow along St Swithun’s Road South.  
  • New pedestrian crossings and reconfiguration of the existing traffic islands at Christchurch Road roundabout, with new kerb alignments and road markings along Centenary Way and Ashley Road.  
  • A new crossing on Christchurch Road for pedestrians and school children, with enhanced cycle lanes to protect riders from parked cars and traffic.  
  • Several junction enhancements to further reduce the risk and severity of collisions and improve pedestrian accessibility.  
  • Extension of existing 20mph zones in Boscombe to include additional residential roads and sections of the A35 and Ashley Road. 

Bournemouth Echo: Christchurch Road, Boscombe

Julian McLaughlin, director for infrastructure at BCP Council, said: “This section of the A35 was selected by the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Foundation following analysis of many roads across the UK that would benefit from some additional safety measures.  

Read more: Traffic lights 'dangerous' and lead to red light jumpers

“As part of this, BCP Council used Safer Roads Investment Plan modelling to test possible interventions along 100 metre sections of the A35 to determine where safety could be improved.

“As a council, we have a duty to ensure everyone feels safe when travelling around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, whether they are walking, cycling or using other modes of transport.  

“Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and share your views on our plans, along with any additional thoughts and ideas you may have.  

“No decisions will be made until we’ve analysed all the feedback you share, and it’s this that will shape our road safety work in this area moving forward.” 

The authority has launched a consultation for the measures which will close on Tuesday, April 23 and can be found at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/saferroads. 

Additional money is provided by the Town’s Fund project for Boscombe’s regeneration.