Councillors warn Dorset transport funding falls short

Councillors have warned that more than £150 million of government transport funding for Dorset will not be enough to deliver the improvements the county needs.

Dorset Council has been allocated £158 million for transport improvements over the coming years as part of its Local Transport Plan to 2041.

More than £125 million of the first phase funding, covering the period to 2031, is earmarked for road maintenance, while around £13 million is allocated for bus services.

Councillors welcomed the long-term funding commitment but raised concerns that the overall package is insufficient to address Dorset’s transport challenges.

Issues highlighted included poor rural bus connectivity, traffic congestion in towns such as Dorchester and Blandford, gaps in cycling infrastructure and limited public transport options for young people in rural areas.

Several councillors also questioned whether the plan's ambitions could be achieved without additional government investment.

Dorset Council’s head of highways, Jack Wiltshire, acknowledged the county receives less bus funding than neighbouring authorities and said the council continues to press government for more support.

The Local Transport Plan will now go before Cabinet and full council for final approval.