More 20mph speed limits - but do they work?

More 20mph speed limits are being introduced across Dorset, with 10 towns and villages getting restrictions before Easter.

It is the third phase of Dorset Council's 20mph policy, introduced in 2022, giving town and parish councils the chance to apply for the lower speed limits, but are they making a difference?

Much of Lyme Regis will be added, along with parts of Beaminster, Briantspuddle, Pymore, Gillingham, Milborne St Andrew, Yetminster, St Leonards, Upton and Winterborne Whitechurch.

Parish and town councils where the limits are already in place say they have made their communities safer and encourage people to walk but some believe more enforcement is needed.

Wimborne was among five towns and villages included in the first phase of the scheme in 2024, with Cheselbourne among five areas added in 2025.

Cheselbourne Parish Council chairman Andrew Taylor said the overwhelming majority of villagers had voted in favour of reducing the speed limit and its implementation in November had been deemed a success.

"We would agree that, broadly, most people are adhering to it," he said.

"Undoubtedly, this has made the village safer."

Wimborne Town Council said early feedback from residents suggested the speed limits had helped "improve perceptions of safety" and encouraged more walking, but added: "We also recognise that compliance and behaviour change take time and require appropriate enforcement and complementary measures."

According to Department for Transport research, three-quarters of drivers exceed the limit on "free-flowing" sections of 20mph roads.

The data collected in 2024 from automated traffic counters showed the average speed recorded was 24mph - but about 10% of vehicles exceeded 30mph.

In Beaminster, where the 20mph zone is being extended to more parts of the town, ward councillor Craig Monks called it a "positive step toward increasing road safety" but said greater enforcement was needed by police.

He said: "Asking for this reduction is not the only thing we are looking at. I see this as a first step.

"Things like traffic calming are also important, safer crossing areas, and for Dorset Council and Dorset Police enforcement teams to do more to make sure people follow the speed limits."

Insp Lee Turner, of Dorset Police Roads Policing Team, said officers worked "seven days a week... ensuring people are driving safely and within the speed limits".

He said the team deployed safety cameras to catch speeding drivers and worked with community speed watch groups.

"Ultimately, we need drivers to take personal responsibility and make good decisions when out on the roads," he said.

Dorset Council's place services councillor Jon Andrews said the speed limits were the result of a "thorough process that begins with community interest".

He said: "Each application was carefully assessed against clear criteria to ensure that a 20mph scheme will give the maximum benefit for the affected communities."

According to Dorset Council, a "relatively simple" 20mph scheme involving only lines and signs cost about £10,000.

It aims to allocate £75,000 of its local transport plan budget to the delivery of 20mph schemes each year, focusing on the highest priority areas.