Plans for a new roundabout at a notorious accident hotspot in Peasedown St John have been withdrawn by Bath and North East Somerset Council due to concerns over the high costs involved.
Residents had been campaigning for the roundabout at the southern end of Peasedown St John for over 20 years, believing the project was finally set to go ahead following a public announcement in 2023. The planned roundabout was intended for the Bath Road junction with the A367 bypass, a section of road known for dangerous conditions and poor visibility.
The project had been funded by the government through a Sustainable Transport Settlement, with £16.5 million allocated to various regional transport improvements via the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
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Independent councillor Karen Walker expressed strong disappointment at the decision, stating, “I’m absolutely outraged! The government allocated funding to WECA four years ago for several major transport projects, including this roundabout to improve safety at a known accident hotspot. WECA passed the project to B&NES Council, which initially supported it but has now pulled the plug.”
At a council cabinet meeting on 10 September, Councillor Liam Kirby highlighted the dangers of the junction and questioned why the roundabout proposal was cancelled, emphasising the long-standing need for improved road safety.
In response, Councillor Lucy Hodge explained that the roundabout had been part of the Somer Valley Links programme, designed to enhance bus priority and safety. However, more detailed assessments and modelling revealed that the roundabout would not deliver the anticipated benefits for bus movement and would be considerably more expensive than other available options.
“The programme is therefore focusing on a package of alternative improvements providing better value for money,” she said. These measures include carriageway narrowing, high-friction surfacing, improved pedestrian crossings, and a reduction of the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph.
Councillor Hodge added that these changes aim to reduce vehicle speeds, enhance safety for all road users, and support more efficient bus transit. She also noted that these improvements do not preclude the possibility of a roundabout being developed in the future should circumstances or funding permit.
A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats stated, “The Lib Dems are committed to making decisions based on evidence. Detailed assessment and modelling have been carried out, and the proposed package of improvements will boost safety and represent good value for money.”
The council has confirmed it will continue to review transport infrastructure needs along the A367 corridor as part of the ongoing commitment to road safety and efficient transport management.