New powers to improve road safety

Overview

Dorset Council would like to pilot the use of cameras to make sure that drivers continue to comply with a traffic restriction at St Martins Road near Upton Junior School.

Background

There has been a School Street traffic restriction at St Martins Road near the junior school since June 2022. This has reduced traffic during the restricted hours, creating a safer environment for children walking, wheeling and cycling to school.

The closure is currently managed by school staff using physical barriers. However, this is difficult to maintain. 

We would, therefore, like to trial the use of cameras to make sure that drivers comply with this restriction. This will remove the need for barriers. The cameras will not be used for any other purpose.

Seeking your views on new legal powers

Before we can introduce this pilot camera scheme, we need to apply to the Government for new responsibilities. These are needed so we can enforce what are known as moving traffic offences*. As these powers will be a new policy for the council, we must seek public views through consultation before they are introduced.

The benefits of Dorset Council taking on these enforcement responsibilities include providing: 

• improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists 

• reduction in network congestion  

• improvements to journey times for public transport  

• air quality improvements, and a reduction in transport related emissions contributing to carbon net zero targets. 

Consultation

This consultation will be open for six weeks, from 14^th April to 26th May 2025. Local residents and businesses are invited to contribute their comments to the consultation, however anybody can leave feedback. 

We will use feedback from the consultation help us make the final decision on whether to apply to use these powers in the specified location and identify other areas that people are may be concerned about. 

*Moving traffic offences include: 

• entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear 

• driving through a 'No Entry' sign 

• turning left or right when instructed not to do so 

• driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited 

• driving on routes that are for buses and taxis only 

• going the wrong way in a one-way street 

• ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 

Why your views matter

Before making any decision on the suitability of this location, we need to fully understand the impact on all people affected including residents, the school, the wider school community.

If you would prefer to complete the consultation in a different way, like a paper survey, please contact Transport Planning, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or telephone 01305 221000 and ask for Fernao Barros or another member of the transport planning team.

Please note, any data collected follows Dorset Council's privacy policy.