Traffic management to be trialled on A354 Milborne St Andrew

Water-filled interlocking barriers and temporary signs will be installed along the A354 in Milborne St Andrew – a key road connecting Blandford and Dorchester. 

Although the speed limit is 30mph, the aim of a traffic management scheme is to improve pedestrian safety by ensuring vehicles keep to the speed limit. 

Milborne Parish Council asked Dorset Council to trial the management schemes that resemble a permanent design to provide real-time data. 

Computer modelling previously undertaken by Dorset Council demonstrated a priority method of managing traffic flow and speed is possible. 

Essentially, the additions would mean the road would be narrowed, giving priority to westbound traffic. 

The scheme will start at the Royal Oak (Image: Archive)

Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “If a permanent installation was constructed now and it proved unsuccessful or problematic, it would be difficult and costly to remove. 

“This temporary layout will save this expense and unnecessary inconvenience for drivers. If it is successful, the parish council will liaise with residents before finalising any permanent plans."

Wayne Lewin, parish clerk, added: “This traffic calming project will slow down vehicles and improve pedestrian safety along the very busy A354.” 

The temporary layout will be installed during the week commencing Monday, October 14. 

The first week will allow drivers to adjust to the new layout, with data collected during the following two weeks starting Monday, October 21 and 28. 

This enables data to be gathered during school holidays as well as during a ‘normal’ working week to provide a full range of information. 

There will be three cameras and a speed radar in place. This will help record queue lengths, driver behaviour within the narrowed section and collect speed data. 

It will run between the footway, which will stay open, and the road. The installation will start outside the Royal Oak pub and finish just past the first house next to the pub, a distance of just under 40 metres. 

The structure will make a give and take single file lane, with eastbound drivers giving way to vehicles from the west. 

Once it is removed on November 1, the data collected will then inform Dorset Council’s decision on a proposed permanent feature.

Dorset Council is funding the trial and has worked closely with the parish council throughout the process. 

If the permanent scheme goes ahead, it will be funded by Milborne St Andrew Parish Council using section 106 agreement contributions.