A popular town in the South of England could soon see almost all roads hit with 20mph speed limits under new plans being considered by councillors.
The proposal launched by Dorset Council would see almost every road in Dorchester town given a 20mph speed limit, with just one exception.
Middle Farm Way in Poundbury would remain at 30mph if the plans go ahead, with only a handful of roads currently having 20mph restrictions.
Councillors explained that introducing one speed limit across the town would make roads safer, reduce confusion for drivers and help prevent serious accidents.
Residents will get the chance to have their say on the changes before any final decision is made later this year.
Speaking at a planning committee meeting on Monday, councillors admitted the idea could face opposition from some groups, including taxi drivers, bus companies and delivery firms.
The council will discuss the plans this week at a committee meeting, with some councillors already against the measures, arguing that a lower speed limit could slow journeys and affect businesses.
Councillor Stella Jones said previous 20mph schemes had been welcomed by residents, pointing to Fordington High Street, one of the first areas in Dorchester to introduce the lower limit.
The council will discuss the proposals this week
| PAHowever, some councillors questioned why Middle Farm Way should be treated differently. Councillors David Taylor and Molly Rennie both challenged the decision to leave the road at 30mph while every other street would drop to 20mph.
Councillor Sue Biles, who led the working group behind the plans, defended the exemption, saying keeping Middle Farm Way at a higher speed would encourage drivers to use that route instead of cutting through smaller residential roads in Poundbury.
Ms Biles added that the road was designed differently from most others in the town. "It has wide grass verges, homes set further back from the road, very few junctions and good visibility," she said.
The debate highlighted divisions over whether all roads should be treated the same or whether different layouts should have different limits.
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The plans would see roads in Dorchester have 20mph restrictions, mostly near schools
| PATown councillors are now preparing a public engagement campaign before making a final decision, with meetings planned with local schools, the Civic Society, bus operators, and businesses.
It aims to explain the reasons behind the scheme and answer concerns from residents and organisations.
After further discussions, the proposal will return to the town planning and environment committee before going to a full council vote.
Even if Dorchester Town Council approves the idea, the final decision will rest with Dorset Council, which is responsible for highways across the county.
Motorists can be fined £100 for driving over the 20mph limit | PAThe debate comes as Dorset Council reviews its wider transport plans for the next 15 years, with councillors examining the draft Local Transport Plan covering 2026 to 2041.
The Department for Transport has pledged around £158.5million in funding for Dorset between 2026 and 2030, while around £33million has already been allocated for this financial year.
Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, Councillor Jon Andrews, said safer and simpler journeys were at the heart of the strategy.
He said: "How we travel affects our health, our environment and our quality of life. This plan is about making everyday journeys safer and easier."