Drivers travelling along the A35 in Dorset will face seven new speed limit changes from March, with motorists at risk of receiving a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence for violations. The strategic road authority, in partnership with local authorities and police partners, is implementing these measures as part of a comprehensive £1.8 million designated fund safety scheme aimed at significantly improving road safety along this crucial route.
Safety Concerns Prompt Speed Reductions
National Highways has identified serious safety issues along a 26-mile section of the A35 between Charmouth and Yellowham Hill, prompting the introduction of multiple new speed restrictions. According to the latest validated collision data, this stretch of road witnessed 199 collisions over a five-year period, resulting in 305 casualties including three fatalities. These alarming statistics have driven the urgent need for intervention to protect both motorists and local communities.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
The speed reduction scheme, which will commence following a statutory consultation period, represents a multi-faceted approach to road safety improvement. Alongside the new speed limits, National Highways plans to install average speed cameras in three villages along the route: Winterbourne Abbas, Morcombelake and Chideock. These cameras will enforce both existing and new speed restrictions, creating a comprehensive monitoring system along this problematic section of the A35.
Jack Mason, National Highways' South West Road Safety Manager, emphasised the importance of this initiative: "The initiative follows a long-term safety review and is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads. The speed reductions and average speed cameras will reduce the number and severity of collisions between Charmouth and Yellowham, improving safety for motorists and local communities."
Specific Speed Limit Changes
The seven new speed restrictions will be implemented at strategic locations along the A35 corridor, targeting areas where collision data indicates particular risk. The changes include:
- New 50mph limit between Berne Lane and Tizard Knap
- New 50mph limit between Coombe Road and Monkey's Jump Roundabout
- New 50mph limit between West Stinsford Roundabout and the overbridge at Cuckoo Lane Junction
- New 40mph limit extension between Tizzard's Knap Junction and Ryall (Star Lane)
- New 40mph limit between Howard Road Junction and Firch Lane
- New 30mph limit between Hollow Way junction and Howard Road junction
- New 50mph limit between Long Bredy Hut Lane and Winterbourne Abbas
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Interventions
National Highways has committed to continuous monitoring of the route's safety performance following implementation of these measures. Mason confirmed: "As outlined in the consultation process, we'll continue to monitor the safety and performance of the route, and, working closely with our police and local authority partners, we will always look to make any future interventions where needed." This approach ensures that the safety measures remain effective and can be adjusted based on real-world performance data.
The penalty structure for speeding offences remains consistent with national guidelines, with offenders facing a £100 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence. These enforcement measures, combined with the physical speed restrictions and camera monitoring, create a comprehensive approach to reducing collisions and improving safety outcomes along this important Dorset transport corridor.
