Lyme Regis: plans at 'early stages' for new 20mph zone

Plans are at a 'very early stage' and need evidence and data to support the move, which is hoped will make residents feel 'safer' walking the streets.

Spearheading the move is Councillor Belinda Bawden, a Green Party councillor sitting on Lyme Regis Town Council (LRTC) and Dorset Council.

Cllr Bawden, who represents Lyme and Charmouth, says people are 'frustrated' about traffic in the west Dorset town.

The proposed 20mph zone covers the entirety of Lyme Regis' centre, including busy routes Sidmouth Road, Uplyme Road and Church Street.

Timber Hill in the north of the town could also be included in the overall proposals, Cllr Bawden said.

The local councillor said she has identified several 'problem areas' around Lyme where residents have reported speeding and lost pets in the road.

These include the triangle around Queens Walk, Kingsway and Anning Road, where there is also a primary school nearby.

Cllr Bawden said residents 'can't understand' why the speed is not 20mph given the presence of a school, and fears that more housing developments will add to the traffic problems.

She is calling for volunteers to come forward to gather data about speeding and near misses to back up an application to Dorset Council to lower the speed limits.

Community speedwatch volunteers are also needed, which are recognised by the police and seen as vital ways of gathering data.

"I get frustrated when people say nothing can be done, when actually lots of things can be done," Cllr Bawden said.

"The biggest complaint from people in Lyme is about the traffic or parking, especially in the summer when most of our visitors come by car.

"Residents have lost their dogs and cats to cars that have been driving too fast. 

"We are at the very early stages of this and have to prove this is what people want. 

"We need data, and sadly fatalities do move you up the list. I keep saying I do not want to wait for a fatality. We do not feel safe at the moment, so what can be done?

"My aim is for people to feel safe walking and cycling round Lyme and for our public realm to be safe, sociable and pleasant to live in."

Cllr Bawden is working on an application which is hoped to be submitted soon before gathering data to support it, which could take more than a year. 

Nearby Uplyme Parish Council is also applying for a 20mph proposal to Devon County Council, while Charmouth is also keen on implementing a similar scheme. 

Several other towns and parishes in Dorset have also applied to implement lower speed limits in their areas. 

The work forms part of the 'Lyme 2030 Vision' initiative, which she is working with LRTC to help 'decarbonise' the town and received funding from the National Lottery.

A new transport and travel working group has also been established on the town council to 'respond to people’s desire for better solutions on traffic'.