Drivers risk 'millions' in fines after controversial speed limit change
The speed limit on the A348 Ringwood Road in Ferndown, Dorset was lowered from 40mph to 30mph in 2023, with motorists told to expect a "large number" of penalty notices
Motorists are set to be slapped with a staggering number of fines as a speed limit on a popular English dual carriageway is slashed. Dorset Council triggered a storm among drivers by reducing the speed from 40mph to 30mph in 2023, leaving road users flabbergasted at the sudden shift that's been said to lead to an eye-watering 36,000 per cent spike in penalties.
The change has been like a red rag to a bull for those accustomed to the prior 40mph limit for years, with one irate motorist told The Times:"That road has been 40mph for decades.
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"Fine, lower the speed limit by 10mph, but at least give motorists plenty of notice and warning signs about the change. A cynical person might wonder if the change in speed limit was due to this camera not catching enough drivers."
Another disgruntled driver vented their frustration on Facebook, labelling the mandatory speed awareness course for clocking 34mph in the new 30mph zone as "absolutely ridiculous".
In a bid to reduce collision odds and to get more people walking or cycling, the council pulled the trigger on the revised speed cap following public consultation in 2023, reports Birmingham Live.
Their statement laid out the plan: "The speed limit between Longham Bridge and Longham Mini Roundabouts will be reduced to 30mph later in 2023.
"This is in line with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's decision to reduce the speed limit to 30mph further south on Ringwood Road, towards Bear Cross Roundabout."
Plans are in place to cut the speed limit to 30mph on a treacherous stretch of road, with changes kicking in later in 2023, spanning from around 45 metres north-east of Ringwood Road's junction with Turbary Road down to the existing 30mph zone near Manor Close.
Councillor Richard Herrett commented to the Times, "These measures have made this busy dual carriageway safer and more pleasant for all road users, following on from fatalities in 2018 and 2019."
Another person expressed their frustration, "Speed cameras should not be used to generate revenue by fining motorists, adding points to their driving licences, increasing motorists' insurance premiums, increasing the number of disqualified drivers and profiting companies selling Speed Awareness courses."
They continued, questioning the decision: "Cameras should promote road safety. So what evidence is available, I wonder, to prove that this stretch of road merited the limit reduction to 30mph?"
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