New 20mph speed limit approved for roads in Poole
Cabinet backed the plan unanimously
A new 20mph speed limit has been approved for roads in Poole to create a safer walking and cycling route.
BCP Council's cabinet approved the new 20mph zone unanimously at a meeting on 28th October.
The plan will cut speeds between Alder Road and Coy Pond.
It aims to encourage sustainable travel for pedestrians and cyclists heading towards Bournemouth town centre.
Why the plan was put forward
The corridor is a designated priority under the council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which councillors adopted in 2022.
A council report warned that Yarmouth Road has become busy and noisy, creating an intimidating environment for walkers and cyclists.
The project will establish an alternative quiet route along Sheringham Road.
It will also bring safer crossings over heavily trafficked main roads that currently act as barriers.
Other works planned
The speed reductions sit alongside other works.
These include new pedestrian crossings, traffic calming, improved pavements and wayfinding signs.
The plan follows previous walking and cycling upgrades through Bournemouth Gardens, running from the Square to Coy Pond Gardens.
Those upgrades included a new crossing over Branksome Wood Road.
Which roads are covered
The 20mph limit will apply across the entire length of Apple Close, Copper Beech Close, Dalling Road, Eagle Road, Gordon Road South, Ingworth Road, Pear Close, Princess Road, Silver Birch Close and Yarmouth Close.
It will also cover:
- Bourne Valley Road from Poole Road to its northern end
- Gordon Road between Bourne Valley Road and Surrey Road
- Surrey Road up to Bourne Valley Roundabout
- Wolterton Road to the motor vehicle closure
- Yarmouth Road from Wroxham Road to the roundabout
Initial proposals only covered Bourne Valley Road north of the Bourne Valley Roundabout.
Officers expanded the zone following public requests during early engagement.
What the public consultation found
A public consultation on the traffic regulation order received 54 responses.
There were 30 formal objections, 21 responses in support and three general comments.
Among people living in the BH12 postcode area, opinion was in favour of the lower speed limit.
In that area, 18 people backed the plan and 13 objected.
What the councillor said
Councillor Millie Earl spoke at the cabinet meeting on 28th October.
She said: "I really welcome this, Bourne Valley Road in particular is one of those roads where I get frustrated because if everyone just went a little bit slower you could have two cars passing at the same time.
"Instead what everyone does is stop let other cars whizz through and then carry on, that is what causes congestion on that road, by lowering speed limits and taking care you can pass each other easily."