Motoring & Transport | Posted on January 21st, 2026 | return to news

20mph speed limits to be implemented in 10 Dorset towns and villages

The new limits on Sandy Lane and Victory Oak in St Leonards and St Ives will be operational before Easter this year.

Sandy Lane and the new housing development Victory Oak in St Leonards and St Ives are amongst areas in 10 Dorset towns and villages in which 20mph limits are to be introduced.

This follows applications submitted to Dorset Council by the respective town and parish councils.

The 20mph speed limits signs are planned to be installed and the speed limits operational before Easter 2026. The various roads are in the following locations: Beaminster, Briantspuddle, Pymore, Bridport, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Milborne St Andrew, Ryme Intrinseca and Yetminster, Upton and Winterborne Whitechurch.

Dorset Council carried out detailed assessments of each application, and residents shared their comments, support or objections through public consultation before decisions were made. This was through what is known as a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process.

Jon Andrews, Cabinet member for Place Services, said: “These new speed limits are the result of a thorough process that begins with community interest. Each application was carefully assessed against clear criteria to ensure that a 20mph scheme will give the maximum benefit for the affected communities.

“Our collaborative approach reflects our commitment to working closely with town and parish councils, supporting them as they bring forward requests.

“The policy gives our officers a clear and consistent framework for assessing these proposals and the initiative is a direct response to residents’ concerns about safety and wellbeing in their neighbourhoods.

“It aims to deliver the greatest benefit in areas where people live, walk, cycle or use mobility aids, helping to create healthier, safer streets for everyone.”

A further 20 applications for 20mph zones have been submitted to Dorset Council, and several other communities are currently considering schemes that will form the next phase for assessment. Once these applications have been reviewed, public consultation will be carried out on the schemes that successfully pass the assessment stage.

Since the introduction of the Dorset Council 20mph policy in 2022, town and parish councils have been able to apply for the lower speed limits where appropriate. The local councils must be able to demonstrate significant community support before they apply.

Dorset Council offers advice and support to local towns and parishes seeking to improve and promote road safety, whether through 20mph limits and zones or other approaches.

The council says the process does not seek to make 20mph the default for all roads where people and vehicles mix. Instead, it provides a consistent approach to handling applications, with a policy that is implementable in line with national guidance, affordable with minimal strain on council budgets, and enforceable by the police.

All requests for a new 20mph limit must be submitted by the town or parish council or local ward member. Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/20mph-limits-and-zones.