In Glastonbury, drivers frequently ignore the town’s 20mph speed limits, prompting Glastonbury Speedwatch to call on the town council for swift action. At July’s council meeting, Christine Prior, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized the urgent need for increased public awareness and additional safety improvements.
Christine began by expressing gratitude to the council and Councillor Liz Leyshon for successfully reducing speed limits through Somerset Council. Despite this progress, many motorists continue to speed at 30mph through designated 20mph zones, undermining the purpose of the limits. “It feels like we have a two-speed system,” Christine remarked. “Many drivers simply disregard the signs. But driving slower only adds about a minute to your journey — congestion and traffic lights cause the real delays.”
She stressed the stark risks of speeding with grim facts: “A child struck at 30mph is three times more likely to die than if hit at 20mph. Anyone caring for young children knows how unpredictable they can be. The potential tragedies are unimaginable.”
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Beyond safety, Christine highlighted environmental benefits linked to slower speeds. Research from insurer AXA shows that driving at 20mph reduces CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions by 25% and cuts noise pollution in half compared to 30mph.
Glastonbury Speedwatch is urging the council to expand 20mph zones to more areas throughout the town. They also propose adding a second speed identification device to better assist council staff and widen speed monitoring.
Furthermore, the group calls for pedestrian crossings at three critical spots: the Wirral roundabout, outside St Dunstan’s School, and along the A39. Christine also pointed out that signage between the Wirral Park roundabout and Morrisons supermarket is confusing, recommending clearer speed limit signs in this area.