THE controversial 40mph speed limit on the Wessex Way in Bournemouth will stay.

The borough council said the restriction, between County Gates and the approach to St Paul’s Roundabout, would be made permanent following “a significant decline in accidents”.

It comes despite a protest in January last year after the limit was brought in where a car conga was staged by campaigners.

A Facebook group opposing the limit attracted more than 8,000 supporters.

But the council said it had come to its decision following an “extensive trial and consultation period”.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Data and observations collected during the trial reveal around a 30 per cent reduction in collisions and a 40 per cent reduction in casualties when compared with previous years.

“Driver behaviour has also improved considerably.

“Ultimately we have a responsibility to keep our roads safe and evidence shows that reducing the speed limit here by just 10 miles per hour – an added journey time of just 33 seconds – has helped reduce accidents, prevented injury and kept traffic flowing.”

After the Daily Echo reported that the limit was likely to stay last month, one opponent, Philip Cromie, got in touch to say that the council was “reluctant to engage with the citizens it is supposed to represent” over the decision.

But the council said it had consulted and received both formal objections and support.

Cllr Filer added: “Our decision to maintain the 40mph limit has been reached following careful consideration of the public comments received, the evidence collected, the advice of our traffic safety officer and with support from Dorset Police.”