Plans have been submitted to make the emergency entrance at Royal Bournemouth Hospital safer for people walking and cycling.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust wants to widen the access from Castle Lane East and change the current gated layout. The proposal follows a Road Safety Audit carried out in February and March 2025, which identified several risks at the entrance.
The audit found that having separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists could increase the chance of collisions. It said pedestrians may not always realise cyclists are using the entrance. One recommendation is to turn the existing footpath into a shared use route, supported by new signage and textured paving to alert people to cyclists.
It also highlighted problems for cyclists trying to rejoin Castle Lane East. The report noted that visibility of signs is limited and suggested moving the give way to cyclists signs so drivers can see them more clearly.
Another issue identified was surface water collecting at a low point near the exit. The audit warned this could freeze in colder weather and create a collision risk. It said regrading the road surface would help prevent water from pooling.
The trust said the changes aim to make the entrance “easier and safer to use for everyone”.
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