A speed limit of 20mph could soon be implemented in certain areas of Dorset.

Following a new policy by Dorset Council, town and parish councils can now apply online for 20mph speed limits and zones.

Schemes will need to meet certain requirements, and there should be community support.

Cllr Simon Gibson, lead member for Highways at Dorset Council, said: “We worked closely with town and parish councils, our own councillors, and Dorset Police over many months to develop a policy that will work for local areas, enabling schemes that offer the maximum benefit for their communities.

“The new process brings a consistent approach to dealing with applications for 20mph speed limits or zones, with a policy that is: implementable by considering national guidance; affordable, placing minimum strain on council budgets; and enforceable by the Police.

“Over the next 12 months we will see what works and what doesn’t and amend the process accordingly.”

Town/parish councils or local ward members (Dorset councillors) should submit an application form to begin the process.

Dorset Council’s Road Safety Team will work with town and parish councils to complete an assessment once an application is submitted.

Each application will be assessed against a set of requirements and Dorset Council will fund those schemes deemed to be a high priority. Town and parish councils will have the opportunity to self-fund lower priority schemes.

Schemes must offer the maximum benefit for the affected communities. This includes quality of life, healthier lifestyles, sustainability and environmental benefits, alongside other important considerations such as reduction of collisions.

Brian Austin, road safety operations manager for Dorset Police, said: “We welcome the new streamlined process for communities to apply for a change to a 20mph speed restriction in their area.

“We have agreed with the local authority that 20mph zones should ‘look and feel’ like 20mph zones including a clear indication you’re entering the area through relevant signage and street furniture.

“All of our road safety deployments are carried out based on the level of threat, risk and harm, therefore it is anticipated that the vast majority of our speed enforcement activity will be in the higher speed restriction areas of the county. Enforcement in 20mph zones will only be carried out when there is a significant risk from continuous high speeds.

“We support the need for communities to actively consider the establishment of a Community Speed Watch which will provide data on the levels of increased speed in the area to allow more targeted enforcement.”

Residents interested in the implementation of new 20mph speed limits in their local area should contact their town or parish council or local Dorset councillor (ward member).

Communities considering a 20mph scheme are strongly encouraged to establish a Community Speed Watch Scheme as a way of gaining evidence of existing speeds and encouraging improved compliance with the speed limit.

Dorset Council will also actively promote the installation of 20mph schemes, where appropriate, on new residential developments. Such developments have long been designed in a way to encourage speeds at or below 20mph. Where practical, the extent of a 20mph scheme associated with a new development should look to include any adjoining residential areas to ensure consistency in a residential area.