So more disruption, more unused cycle lanes, more restrictions on motorists all in the name of sustainable travel, which is part of the 2050 Net Zero goals. Update on New 20mph Zones in Bournemouth
New 20mph Zones Coming to Bournemouth
BCP Council is set to start work on the newest 20mph zone in Bournemouth next week. This final phase will encompass Glenferness Avenue, Leven Avenue, Benellen Avenue, Branksome Wood Road, Queen’s Road, and Prince of Wales Road into the Upper Gardens, beginning on Monday, May 20. The project, which includes a new cycle lane and speed bumps, is expected to be completed by October.
As part of this initiative, BCP Council will implement 20mph speed limits on Leven Avenue, Walsford Road, Benellen Avenue, Benellen Road, Benellen Gardens, and Leven Close. Additionally, toucan, parallel, and zebra crossings are planned to enhance the ‘safe and sustainable travel route.’
Leven Avenue, at its junction with Glenferness Avenue, will be closed to traffic for 20 weeks during the construction period.
Andy Hadley, Cabinet Member for the Environment, stated: “As a council, we are committed to providing and encouraging the use of active travel facilities. Doing so not only reduces traffic congestion and our environmental footprint but also creates healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities.”
Funded by the South East Dorset’s Transforming Cities Fund, this work is part of the broader “sustainable travel route” connecting Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown.
However as a group we argue that as many local authorities across the country are finding, continuation of deployment of these areas can have a negative environmental impact increasing emissions, damaging the health of BCP residents.