Existing 20mph zones in Broadstone could be extended – and you have the chance to have your say on the proposal.

BCP Council has launched an online consultation on whether the existing 20mph zone should be extended to include Ridgeway, Tudor Road South, Macaulay Road and parts of Dunyeats Road and Lower Blandford Road, plus a number of other residential roads in the local area.

The proposals have been developed in response to feedback from local ward councillors, residents and schools – of which there are three in the local area – regarding excessive vehicle speeds, poor parking behaviour and certain roads within the area being used as shortcuts. In particular, concerns have been raised about the Ridgeway road regularly being used as a ‘rat run’ to bypass the Broadstone Roundabout.

These safety concerns have been reinforced by speed surveys conducted last November which confirmed that several drivers were exceeding 30mph within the proposed area.

The council is also seeking opinions on two alternative options for changes to Tudor Road and Ridgeway to make these roads less inviting to through traffic and provide local people with an improved environment and better options for sustainable travel.

The following two options are being considered:

Option A: entry/exit restrictions

• No Entry for motor vehicles to Tudor Road (south) from Dunyeats Road; and
• No Exit for motor vehicles from Ridgeway to Dunyeats Road.

Option B: low traffic neighbourhood

This option would seek to create a low traffic neighbourhood: reducing traffic in a residential area and creating space where people can live, walk and cycle safely.

• On Macaulay Road: through motor traffic would be prevented from travelling beyond a point approximately half-way between the junctions of Kirkway/Tudor Road (south).
• On Ridgeway: through motor traffic would be prevented from travelling beyond a point at the northern corner of the junction with Westheath Road.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability, said,  “By introducing a lower speed limit and creating a safer neighbourhood for pedestrians and cyclists, we can create a better, quieter and more sustainable environment for many years to come.”

Ward councillor Vikki Slade said, “We have campaigned for more than a decade for the centre of Broadstone to benefit from a 20mph zone and we are pleased that the council is now ready to consult on this scheme which links with the existing school zone at Dunyeats Road.”

Further information on the proposals, including detailed maps of the different options, and an online survey to capture feedback can be found at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/broadstone20mph.

The consultation runs until Monday 22 February.