A Somerset councillor has reignited the call for a bypass near Taunton amid ongoing traffic congestion, despite recent improvements in local air quality.
Three areas in Somerset have been designated as air quality management zones by the government due to elevated pollution levels: Yeovil town centre, East Reach in Taunton town centre, and the A358 at Henlade, just outside Taunton.
Thanks to consistent efforts over the past three years, air quality has improved significantly in the two Taunton areas, which are set to be removed from the list. Yeovil is also expected to follow suit by early 2026.
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Councillor Sarah Wakefield, portfolio holder for adults services, housing, and homelessness, welcomed the air quality progress but emphasized that the pressing need for a bypass at Henlade must not be overlooked.
The A358 at Henlade remains a major traffic bottleneck on the route into Taunton and junction 25 of the M5. The road narrows from two lanes at Thornfalcon to a single lane as it enters Henlade’s 30mph zone, causing frequent congestion.
In October 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP cancelled National Highways’ original plan to dual the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton, citing insufficient value for taxpayers. Since then, Somerset Council has collaborated with National Highways on more modest solutions, including diverting traffic south of Henlade toward the Nexus 25 roundabout.
Councillor Wakefield, representing the Blackdown and Neroche division that includes Henlade, highlighted the issue at the council’s executive committee meeting in Taunton on October 1.
“Although improved air quality is welcome news for Henlade residents, it doesn’t address the traffic jams that continue to build up as vehicles approach Taunton,” she said. “This is a positive development, but we desperately still need a bypass for Henlade. Air quality was just one of the reasons we campaigned for this.”
Both Henlade and East Reach have seen nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions fall to acceptable levels, with data showing a steady decline in harmful pollutants between 2019 and 2025.
Following the meeting, Councillor Graham Oakes, portfolio holder for public health, climate change, and the environment, commented: “This is excellent news for residents locally and across Somerset. Research confirms that vehicle emissions, especially nitrous oxide, pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. Reducing these risks remains a key priority, and these improvements show we are making progress.”