New moves which will make it easier for communities get 20mph zones have been welcomed.

Changes are to be introduced to improve the process after Dorset councillors and officers spent months trying to streamline how applications are dealt with and to offer a consistent policy.

However it has been warned that there is very little money to pay for the safety measures and Dorset Police is unlikely to be able to enforce them.

The new policy outlines a series of criteria that parish or town councils will need to meet in order for certain stretches of road to be designated 20mph speed restricted zones.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder welcomed the news after a road safety campaign to highlight and clamp own on road safety issues and danger hotspots.

Speaking after the Dorset Council meeting, Mr Loder said: “I am very pleased to see Dorset Council has adopted this policy, which has the potential to greatly improve the safety of road users and pedestrians as well as the daily lives of residents living in communities affected by these issues.”

Bridport councillors have previously shared their concerns especially around the process which states that areas wanting to apply having to have a community speedwatch group in place for 12 months before making an application.

Cllr Dave Rickard previously told the News: "This appears to be far too onerous and tedious, given that Bridport town has already embarked on a detailed access and movement study which has shown support for such a scheme.

“Also, a residential survey last year at selected spots in the town and surrounding parishes came up with many hotspots that residents have been identifying for a long time that a 20mph zone would be welcome.”

During the meeting, Highways lead councillor Simon Gibson said he hoped the changes would encourage more town and parish councils to make requests for 20mph zones – although each would have to be judged against Department of Transport guidelines, affordability and whether the policy could be enforced.

He said that the budget for the schemes was £75,000 a year.

The meeting heard that the cost of signs alone, for a typical village scheme, could be £5,000.

Highways portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan told the Cabinet meeting that there was “still some way to go” to persuade Dorset Police to agree that they could enforce any new limits which are introduced, adding that they are already struggling with enforcement in 30 and 40mph zones.