Poole town centre to/from Ferndown and Wimborne

A number of proposals to improve the walking, cycling and bus facilities on Ringwood Road between Bear Cross and Longham Bridge were put forward for public consultation on 10 May to 14 June 2021. A summary of the findings of the consultation can be found here, with our responses to the feedback received available here.

The proposals include: 

• The existing shared path on the eastern side of Ringwood Road would be improved through vegetation clearance and widening
• A new parallel crossing by the access road into Millhams Recycling Centre
• The existing path to the east of Longham Bridge would be converted to a surfaced shared path, offering an alternative route for walking and cycling away from the main road, over the River Stour via a new bridge and towards Longham Mini Roundabouts
• Two bus stop locations to be upgraded along the route, which could include accessibility improvements, new shelters and real-time information

View the proposed design plan here. 

Proposed change to speed limit

We are continuing to review the design in this area. As part of that work and in light of Dorset Council’s plans to reduce the speed limit along Ringwood Road, north of Longham Bridge, we are now planning to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along Ringwood Road between just north of Bear Cross Roundabout (from Cudnell Avenue) and Longham Bridge.

The proposal to reduce the speed limit was not included as part of the May-June 2021 consultation and will only be implemented in conjunction with Dorset Council’s proposals.

The speed limit reduction is subject to a separate legal process and a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was advertised and consulted on in February 2023. This TRO was recommended for approval in March 2023.