40MPH Limit On Wessex Way Here To Stay

An experimental speed restriction on a stretch of the Wessex Way has been made permanent following a significant decline in accidents.

The Council's decision to keep the 40mph speed limit between County Gates and the approach to St Paul's Roundabout follows 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."

The reduced speed trial included a period of consultation during which both formal objections and comments of support were received.

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

198 people were injured in road accidents on that stretch of the A338 between 2004 and 2008 and a cluster of accidents on
the Richmond Hill slip road caused widescale disruptions.

Notices confirming the permanence of the
speed limit order will be published in the local media.