Motorists travelling through Dorset will encounter significant changes to speed regulations from March, as National Highways introduces targeted reductions of up to 10mph alongside new enforcement measures. The initiative forms part of a comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the county's major routes.
Comprehensive Speed Limit Adjustments Across Dorset
The proposed changes will affect multiple sections of Dorset's road network, with particular focus on the A35 corridor. National Highways has identified several key areas where current speed limits will be reduced to improve safety outcomes for all road users.
Specific Route Modifications
The implementation includes several distinct speed limit alterations:
- New 50mph limits replacing previous 60mph restrictions between Berne Lane and Tizard Knap
- Additional 50mph zones near Morcombelake, between Coombe Road near Winterbourne Abbas and Monkey's Jump Roundabout in Dorchester
- Further 50mph implementation between West Stinsford Roundabout and the overbridge at Cuckoo Lane Junction near Dorchester
- Extension of 40mph limits between Tizzard's Knap Junction and Ryall (Star Lane)
- Reduction from 60mph to 40mph between Howard Road Junction and Firch Lane on the approach to Bridport
- New 30mph limit replacing 40mph between Hollow Way junction and Howard Road junction on Sea Road South in Bridport
- Additional 50mph limit between Long Bredy Hut Lane and Winterbourne Abbas near Kingston Russell
Enhanced Enforcement and Partnership Approach
The speed limit reductions will be accompanied by the deployment of average speed cameras, creating a comprehensive safety package. Mark Armstrong, Head of Road Safety at Dorset Police, emphasised the importance of this collaborative approach.
"On behalf of all other partners in Dorset Road Safe, we strongly support National Highways' initiative to improve road safety on this section of the A35," stated Armstrong. "Driving at inappropriate or excess speed is one of the 'fatal five' behaviours that commonly cause a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision."
"The partnership welcomes the deployment of average speed cameras and we look forward to working with National Highways to continue to improve safety for all road users across Dorset," he added.
Long-term Safety Strategy
Jack Mason, National Highways' South West Road Safety Manager, explained that these measures follow extensive safety reviews and represent an ongoing commitment to reducing road casualties.
"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," Mason confirmed. "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."
"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," he concluded.
The comprehensive approach combines infrastructure changes with technological enforcement, creating what authorities hope will be a significant improvement in road safety outcomes across Dorset's transport network.
