ALL Portland speed limits outside built-up areas are being cut to 40mph from Monday in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and serious accidents on the island.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council made the change under the 1984 Road Traffic Regulations Act and among roads affected are New Road, Priory Road, Easton Lane, Wide Street, Southwell Road and Portland Bill Road.

Portland county councillor Les Ames said he and former borough councillor Harry Booth had started lobbying for the change about three years ago. He added: "We did so because of concerns about the number of deaths on the roads. In the last five years several people have been killed and there have been at least 20 serious accidents on Portland.

"We thought if we could get the speed limit reduced from 50mph in some places and 60mph in others to a universal 40mph then it might save a few lives. The existing town 30mph limit remains the same."

Mr Ames said that many Portland residents were of the same view that motorists on the island were driving too fast and speeds needed to be curbed. The new 40mph speed limit includes the entire length of Priory Road, together with New Road, from a point nine metres south-west of its junction with Old Hill south-west to its junction with Priory Road.

Easton Lane is also 40mph from its junction with Priory Road south to a point 97 metres north of its junction with Grove Road, while Wide Street is 40mph from its junction with Yeates roundabout south to a point 72 metres north of its junction with Reforne.

Portland Bill Road is now 40mph for its entire length, while Southwell Road is 40mph from its junction with Weston Street south-west to a point 158 metres north-east of its junction with High Street.