Blanket 20mph speed limit for county town scrapped

Plans to introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit throughout Dorset's county town have been scrapped following a public consultation.

More than 3,800 people responded to the plans which were developed following concerns from residents about vehicle speeds and pedestrian safety.

Dorchester Town Council said it would not longer pursue the idea after 63% of respondents said they were opposed.

Instead, a feasibility study will instead look into implementing 20mph zones around schools.

Monday's Planning and Environment Committee voted unanimously to scrap the scheme following a recommendation by the council's Task and Finish Group.

Group chair, councillor Sue Biles, said: "While there is no clear support for a blanket 20mph limit across the whole of Dorchester, there is support for a more targeted approach, particularly around schools and areas where pedestrian safety is a concern."

Biles said the decision meant the group would instead "undertake further feasibility work on a more focused approach".