News

Speed limits will be reduced this week on one of the main routes into Poole in a bid to reduce fatal and serious injury collisions.

From Friday 20 December the speed limit on the A350 Holes Bay Road dual carriageway will reduce from 70 mph to 50 mph. Used by some 30,000 vehicles a day, the road forms a major access route for commuters, ferry passengers and visitors to Poole.

In the three years to the end of October 2002 three fatalities, two serious injuries and 32 slight injuries occurred on the A350 Holes Bay Road, mostly as a result of excessive speed.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment & Regeneration, said: "We work hard to promote road safety through education, good road engineering and enforcement and Poole are currently ranked second in the South West region in reducing the number of fatal and serious injuries. However, drivers need to be made aware of the dangers of speed, particularly on roads that have seen collisions resulting in horrific injuries and loss of life. If we can save just one life or prevent serious injuries by reducing our speed it is worth it – targeting those areas with collision problems is essential."

As part of the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, the Borough of Poole is working with other organisations including Dorset Police, Bournemouth and Dorset County Council to reduce speeding throughout the County. In the future, the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership will be carrying out enforcement of the 50 mph limit on the Holes Bay Road to ensure drivers reduced their speeds.

Chief Inspector Glen Chalk of Dorset Police, said: "We have seen from proven Government research that speed is a factor in approximately a third of all road collisions where fatal and serious injuries occur. I am pleased that the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership and the Council are taking positive action on this stretch of road to address the collision problem – this is another example of how by working together we can save lives and reduce collisions."