News on Dorset Safe Streets

Thanks once again to over 2,000 people who over the past three weeks, have commented and suggested ideas to enable people to walk and cycle in safety both during the Covid-19 restrictions and for the longer term.

As stated previously, suggestions are weighed up and any proposals solutions must be supported by the local Dorset Council Members, town and parish councils and be proportionate to the established need.

Some of the quick wins identified have begun to be installed, including a part-time road closure of Shaftesbury High Street (9-4), which is being coordinated and operated by Shaftesbury Town Council. Feedback from visitors has been positive.

On Salisbury Street in Blandford Forum, the footway has been widened with temporary bollards to enable people to queue more safely outside shops, particularly Boots.

In Weymouth, building works delayed by the lockdown on the Esplanade meant that available width for pedestrians cyclists was reduced to just a couple of metres past the building site. In coordination with bus companies a bus stop was suspended to allow the space to be used for a wider footway/cycleway - see below.

Further schemes are in planning or implementation.