BOURNEMOUTH has “not really embraced the idea of 20mph zones”, the town’s cycling forum heard.

John Hayter, Bournemouth co-ordinator of the Dorset Cyclists Network, spoke out after the town hall meeting.

Delegates heard a scheme for around Ridley Road had been scaled back in the face of residents’ objections.

He said: “Every scheme is seen as a new start and every scheme is objected to and people don’t know how they work.

“Councillors themselves are not really behind them because they need to be seen to be representing residents if there are objections.

“In some areas councils have passed resolutions saying they support 20mph zones.

“That gives the technical officers at the council a framework to work with. At the moment officers don’t really have that.

“I don't know think Bournemouth believes we should be a 20mph town but if there's anything we can do to change that, that would be extremely impactive.”