Speeding & Farm Traffic

All villages in the country have problems with speeding traffic !

Speeding Traffic : Modern vehicles are fast and tend to insulate their drivers from their surroundings. The A35 trunk road that runs through Abbas is a real problem as it is a very busy road on a major route to / from the West Country. There are, of course, 30mph speed restrictions in both villages but these are easily ignored especially, it would appear, by some locals who have become oblivious to them.

Farm Traffic : We live in a rural area and, of course, support our local farmers. However, some large and powerful farm vehicles are driven without care or attention to speed. These are often contractors employed by the farmers at peak periods and often trying to get a crop in to beat the weather. In addition, they are so large now that they are destroying grass banks when pulling over to avoid oncoming traffic. 

What can be done ? : The Parish Council has had many meetings with our MP, Dorset Highways, Highways England (A35), Dorset Police, Dorset Councillors and the farming community regarding the above problems. - there is no easy solution.

Mobile Speed Cameras : At times, the police will position a mobile speed camera at various locations and always catch many speeding vehicles. 

Average Speed Cameras : This idea has been suggested for use on the A35 trunk road that runs through Winterbourne Abbas. A study was made by a consultant employed by Highways England and this was the favoured recommendation. It obviously has to be decided and also funded. We understand that it is not a cheap option and it does have problems in a village with many side roads etc. It is normally used on motorway locations where all traffic is moving in the same direction and if necessary the speed can be adjusted to suit conditions. 

At May 2023 - we understand that an average speed camera system is going to be installed on the A35 through Abbas - but date is yet to be advised.

Speed Indicator Device (SID) : This is now installed in Winterbourne Steepleton (March 2022). It has been fully funded by the National Grid Community Fund. It consists of two poles each with solar panels. The SID is moved by volunteers between the poles on a 6 weekly basis. If you would like to be SID volunteer please email the parish council on : clerk@winterbourneabbassteepleton-pc.gov.uk

30mph Stickers : These are available free of charge for use in Abbas or Steepleton. Please contact the clerk by phone or email (see above). They are self adhesive and can be stuck to bins and other suitable surfaces. The easy way of applying the A4 sized stickers is to clean the surface and then cover with soap solution. Peel off paper backing and align where required. Hold in position and carefully expel the solution and any bubbles with a "squeegee", roller or ruler.