The speed limit is to be lowered along a road close to two schools in Swanage, Dorset, after many years of campaigning.
A new 30mph speed limit will come into force on Washpond Lane from 6th August 2026, replacing the national speed limit of 60 mph.
Washpond Lane leads down from The Swanage School to the Herston Yard Farm campsite and Swanage Railway’s Herston Halt station
Route used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and school children
The new regulations, which are aimed at improving road safety, will apply from the lane’s junction with the High Street, which is next to The Swanage School, and continue northwards along Washpond Lane for just over half a mile to Burnhams Lane.
This will lower the speed limit along a route used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and school children, and which goes past the school’s car park entrance and Herston Yards Farm campsite.
While the narrow lane naturally reduces the speed of traffic along the road, campaigners argued that a 30 mph limit will indicate to drivers the need to slow down.
It also means anyone driving above 30 mph, despite the narrow road, could be prosecuted without having to prove they were driving dangerously.
The speed limit at the other end of Washpond Lane near to St Mary’s primary school was lowered to 30 mph in June 2024.
The new 30 mph restriction will apply along Washpond Lane from the junction with the High Street for just over half a mile to Burnhams Lane
St Mark’s CE primary school is also located near to Washpond Lane
“I’m pleased it’s finally come to fruition”
Councillor Cliff Sutton, who chairs the Swanage Town Council’s traffic management advisory committee said:
“This is really good news, as people regularly walk along Washpond Lane to get to and from the campsite, the schools, and Swanage Railway’s Herston Halt station. There’s also dog walkers and horse riders to consider too.
“Reducing the speed limit to 30 mph makes sense, especially as visitors driving to the campsite may not expect to see people in the road or be aware of the tight bend along this stretch.
“It’s been proposed for a while, so I’m pleased it’s finally come to fruition.”
The Swanage School staff deploy a temporary barrier across Washpond Lane to restrict traffic at drop off and pick up times on school days
Additional measure to support school safety
The reduction in the speed limit is in addition to the road safety measure, which temporararily closes Washpond Lane twice a day for 10 minutes on school days, as part of a School Street scheme.
Just before the start of the school day and at the end of the day, the junction becomes a pedestrian zone with a temporary barrier deployed across Washpond Lane by school staff.
This means pupils can cross the road without having to navigate vehicles which are temporarily restricted from turning into or out of Washpond Lane by the school. It also prevents vehicles from parking on the corner outside the school.
The restriction on vehicles using this junction is from 8.20 am to 8.30 am and from 3.25 pm to 3.35 pm on every school day.
While Washpond Lane is narrow with blind bends, it is considered by some to be a quick cut through to avoid the town centre
