The 30mph speed limit on Chideock Hill is set to be permanent as Highways England takes measures to improve the air quality in the village.

It has installed an electric vehicle charging point in the village and now the speed limit will remain reduced following the outcome of an air quality trial carried out on that section of the A35.

Last year, Chideock was named by Friends of the Earth as having the worst NO2 pollution in England. The biggest cause of NO2 pollution is emissions from traffic.

Chideock has been identified as an Air Quality Management Area by Dorset Council and Highways England initiated a trial speed limit on the hill in September 2019.

The 18-month trial - involving the installation of monitoring equipment, patrols by an emissions monitoring vehicle and temporary 30mph restriction - is complete.

Andy Roberts, Highways England route manager for the A35, said: "We have a responsibility to tackle pollution caused by vehicles using our network and we're working in partnership with Dorset Council to improve air quality in Chideock.

"As part of our ongoing work, we undertook and completed a trial which saw additional diffusion tubes installed and an electric-powered van monitoring real-time pollution before and after the speed limit change.

"This identified a small reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels following the reduction of the speed limit and as a result of the localised air quality benefit, we propose to make the extended 30mph zone a permanent fixture.

"We have also funded and delivered an electric vehicle charging point in the village, and although the air quality challenge will ultimately be solved at the tailpipe by vehicle manufacturers and changes in vehicle use, we will continue to work with Dorset Council and monitor air quality."

Highways England is continuing to work with Dorset Council on the Air Quality Action Plan.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "I'm pleased to hear that the speed trial in Chideock has gone towards helping improve the air quality in the village, and the 30mph speed limit is in the process of being made permanent.

"Due to the challenging topography of the village, the solution to improving air quality on this strategic route depends largely on wide-spread adoption of clean technology and other changes to travel habits.

"In the meantime, we will continue to work with our partners at Highways England to monitor emissions in the area and continue to seek ways to further improve air quality for residents."

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