New active travel measures to be introduced at Whitecliff Road and Darby’s Lane in Poole

BCP Council is introducing two important experimental (trial) traffic measures to Whitecliff Road and Darby’s Lane in Poole from Monday 17 August to provide a safer and more attractive environment for people cycling and walking.

Funded by the government’s emergency active travel fund, these trial measures are part of a wider effort to support the safe reopening of the local economy and encourage walking and cycling, with additional government funding dependent upon their swift and effective introduction. The schemes also contribute to BCP Council’s aims of tackling the climate and ecological emergency by developing an eco-friendly and active transport network; promoting happy, active and healthy lifestyles; and creating safer environments in built-up areas.

The trial measures mean that Whitecliff Road will be closed to all motor traffic at Keyhole Bridge, with timber planters allowing only walking and cycling under the bridge.

Similarly, Darby’s Lane will be closed to all motor traffic at the junction with Wimborne Road and Fernside Road, again using timber planters plus appropriate signage. Motor vehicle access to adjacent businesses and residential roads will not be affected and the timing of traffic signals at the New Inn and Dorchester Road junctions will be adjusted to account for the change in traffic flows.

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure, BCP Council, said: “Getting about by cars remains vital to many, but this is an important time for us to support active travel, with the increase in cycling and walking during lockdown, and the challenge of in-vehicle social distancing providing an opportunity for us to support greener travel habits and healthier communities.

“Targeted low traffic neighbourhood measures such as these encourage walking and cycling for short journeys, without anyone losing access to homes and businesses. In this way we can produce safer communities while simultaneously pursuing a sustainable environment.”

BCP Council is implementing these trial schemes under an experimental traffic regulation order, with residents invited to have their say on the changes over the next six months before any decision is made on making them permanent.

For further details of these measures, please visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/whitecliffroad and bcpcouncil.gov.uk/darbyslane. For further information on the council’s emergency active travel programme, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/emergencyactivetravel