National Highways starts work to improve safety on A35 in Dorset
National Highways is taking action to improve safety along the A35 in Dorset by reducing speed limits at a number of locations.
Working in partnership with local authority and police partners, the company, which is responsible for England’s motorways and main A roads, has identified safety issues along a 26-mile section of the A35 between Charmouth and Yellowham Hill.
The latest five-year validated collision data revealed a total of 199 collisions, resulting in 305 casualties, three of which were fatalities. Following further monitoring and studies, the A35 Charmouth to Yellowham speed reduction scheme is now being delivered to reduce both the number and severity of incidents on this busy route.
The scheme, which is starting following a statutory consultation period, will introduce a number of reduced speed limits and install average speed cameras in three villages along the route.
Jack Mason, National Highways’ South West Road Safety Manager, said: “The initiative follows a long-term safety review and is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads.
“The speed reductions and average speed cameras will reduce the number and severity of collisions between Charmouth and Yellowham, improving safety for motorists and local communities.
“As outlined in the consultation process, we’ll continue to monitor the safety and performance of the route, and, working closely with our police and local authority partners, we will always look to make any future interventions where needed.”
The average speed cameras will be installed in the villages of Winterbourne Abbas, Morcombelake and Chideock to enforce the existing speed limits, while changed and enforceable speed restrictions will be introduced as follows:
- New 50mph limit - between Berne Lane and Tizard Knap;
- New 50mph limit - between Coombe Road and Monkey’s Jump Roundabout;
- New 50mph limit - between West Stinsford Roundabout and the overbridge at Cuckoo Lane Junction;
- New 40mph limit - extension between Tizzard’s Knap Junction and Ryall (Star Lane);
- New 40mph limit - between Howard Road Junction and Firch Lane;
- New 30mph limit - between Hollow Way junction and Howard Road junction;
- New 50mph limit - between Long Bredy Hut Lane and Winterbourne Abbas.
The changes are based on collision data, risk assessments, and insights into driver behaviour, ensuring the new speed limits reflect the characteristics and usage of the road. Average speed cameras help encourage driver compliance and contribute to smoother, safer journeys for road users.
Mark Armstrong, Head of Road Safety at Dorset Police, said:
“On behalf of all other partners in Dorset Road Safe, we strongly support National Highways’ initiative to improve road safety on this section of the A35.
“Driving at inappropriate or excess speed is one of the ‘fatal five’ behaviours that commonly cause a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision.
“The partnership welcomes the deployment of average speed cameras and we look forward to working with National Highways to continue to improve safety for all road users across Dorset.”
The £1.8 million designated fund safety scheme will also see signage upgrades and lining improvements, including chevron signing to highlight upcoming bends, clearer village gateway signs, and kerb works to improve crossing provision in the villages.
Caption: The new speed limits along the A35 and location of new average speed cameras
The scheme is anticipated to be completed by the end of March, with the new speed restrictions enforceable by police.
The work is being undertaken in phases, under daytime lane closures and some overnight closures with fortnightly updates available on the National Highways website. This week, the work will take place from 8am to 5pm and involve temporary traffic lights and lane closures as follows:
- Between Kingston Russell Dips and Winterbourne Abbas
- Between Charmouth Roundabout and Chideock.
Updates regarding closures and each phase of works can be found on the scheme webpage.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
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