Somerset Council is considering a reduction in the speed limit on the A361 Frome bypass in response to five fatal collisions that have occurred there over the past five years. The proposed changes include lowering the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph alongside targeted engineering improvements designed to enhance road safety.
As part of this safety initiative, AI cameras installed last year monitor speed, seatbelt use, and mobile phone activity. The council will launch a public consultation this week on the speed limit reduction, which affects a stretch of road used by approximately 15,000 motorists daily.
If approved and after addressing any public objections, the new speed limit will coincide with planned resurfacing work at the bypass junction, scheduled from May 7 to May 20. To facilitate these upgrades, evening closures will be implemented and clearly communicated to drivers.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for Transport and Waste, emphasized the multifaceted approach: “We are developing safer road conditions by improving the surface, reducing traffic speeds through the new limit, and introducing central hatching to narrow the road where feasible. A significant vegetation cutback will also improve visibility at the junction.”
The council will enhance road markings to be more visible and to provide a slight noise warning when vehicles drive over them. Councillor Wilkins added, “We share the community’s concerns about the number of incidents on this stretch of road. Driver behavior is a factor in around 90 percent of serious collisions, so we urge all drivers to act responsibly when behind the wheel.”