A ROAD in Winton is set to be blocked to dissuade traffic from using it as a rat run.

Later this month, BCP Council will begin trialling a “low traffic neighbourhood” on Victoria Park Road by blocking it between its junctions with Oates Road Namu Road.

Cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley, said the move was aimed at preventing the use of the road as a rat run to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Planters and bollards will be installed on the road later this month, preventing vehicles from using it as a shortcut between Boundary Road and Wimborne Road.

As a result, vehicles travelling from the western end will no longer be able to reach Namu Road and access to Oates Road from the east will be blocked.

The aim of the move is to make the route safer for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly those travelling to Bournemouth University's Talbot Campus and Glenmoor and Winton academies.

The council has said it will hold a consultation for the first six months of the scheme before deciding whether to make the closure permanent.

“With more people taking to cycling and walking during the coronavirus lockdown these measures are being trialled in response to the government’s emergency active travel fund, and will contribute to the council’s commitment to our area becoming carbon neutral,” Cllr Hadley said.

“With a reduced capacity on the bus services due to social distancing requirements, these measures will help children and parents travelling to and from schools in the area by making it easier and safer to travel by bike, scooter or on foot, reducing the need to travel by car.”

He said the full length of the road would still be accessible with all parking spaces retained.

“Low traffic neighbourhoods are a simple and effective way to cut traffic flow through an area’s streets without losing access to homes and businesses,” he added. “Streets can once again become pleasant places for people to stroll around and children to play.”

The closure will be introduced under an experimental traffic regulation order under which it can be kept in place for up to 18 months.

The council said its effectiveness will be reviewed after six months with a report produced ahead of a decision being made on whether to keep it in place.