Taunton town council is exploring the possibility of introducing a 20mph speed limit across parts—or potentially all—of the town centre to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
At the recent annual town meeting held at the Brewhouse Theatre on March 24, local resident Michael Stembridge-Montavont urged the council to reduce speed limits in key areas such as Priory Avenue, Canon Street, and Magdalene Street. He emphasized that lower limits would help solidify Taunton’s identity as a ‘garden town’ by creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Town council leader Tom Deakin acknowledged the need for lower speed limits but highlighted financial challenges. “Implementing 20mph zones can be costly,” he said, citing estimates of around £15,000 per road for the required changes. This has prompted the council to adopt a data-driven approach, using speed indicator devices—visible around the town—to monitor traffic speeds and pinpoint areas with the greatest need for intervention.
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Deakin added, “Gathering this detailed data is crucial to ensure any investment is targeted effectively. We want to make sure zones are introduced where they will make the most impact.”
Any final decision on the implementation of reduced speed limits will require approval from Somerset Council, which manages the county’s road network.