A Somerset councillor has reinvigorated demands for a bypass near Taunton following recent improvements in local air quality, highlighting that traffic congestion remains a pressing issue.
The government has designated three areas in Somerset as air quality management zones due to elevated pollution levels: Yeovil town centre, East Reach in Taunton town centre, and the A358 at Henlade, located on Taunton’s outskirts. Encouragingly, air quality improvements over the past three years have led to the revocation of the air quality management status in the two Taunton areas. The Yeovil zone is also expected to be lifted by early 2026.
Despite this progress, Councillor Sarah Wakefield, portfolio holder for adult services, housing, and homelessness, stressed that Somerset Council must not lose focus on the urgent need for a bypass at Henlade. The A358 at Henlade is a significant traffic bottleneck on the approach to Taunton and the M5 motorway’s junction 25. The road narrows from two lanes at Thornfalcon to a single lane at the 30mph limit entering Henlade village, causing frequent congestion.
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In October 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, cancelled National Highways’ plan to dual the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton, citing insufficient value for taxpayers. Since this decision, Somerset Council has collaborated with National Highways to pursue smaller-scale improvements, such as redirecting traffic south of Henlade towards the Nexus 25 roundabout.
At the council’s executive meeting in Taunton on October 1, Councillor Wakefield, representing the Blackdown and Neroche division that includes Henlade, called once more for a bypass. She noted, “While residents of Henlade will welcome the air quality improvements, this does nothing to address the ongoing traffic congestion into Taunton. It’s positive news on air quality, but we desperately still need a bypass for Henlade. Improved air quality was a key part of our campaign, but traffic remains a challenge.”
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels at both Henlade and East Reach have fallen to acceptable standards, with continuous reductions in harmful emissions observed 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 here and the wider county. Studies demonstrate that vehicle emission of nitrous oxides can severely impact health, especially for vulnerable populations. Reducing that risk is vital, and this achievement marks significant progress.”
Despite advances in air quality, the necessity for infrastructure improvements to relieve traffic congestion in Henlade remains a key concern for local officials and residents alike.