Calls for urgent safety improvements on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road in Somerset have intensified following a multi-vehicle crash on the A361 junction just outside Frome.
Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Frome and East Somerset, has demanded immediate action from Somerset Council in response to the latest serious collision, which is part of a troubling series of incidents at this location. Over the past five years, six fatalities have been recorded at this junction, highlighting it as a critical accident hotspot.
In a letter addressed to Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport, Richard Wilkins, and road safety officer Nick Cowling, Ms Sabine emphasized the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. She pointed out that despite some previous efforts, including speed limit reductions and increased monitoring, the junction remains one of the most hazardous on the local road network.
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“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing pattern of crashes at the A361 junction outside Frome,” stated Ms Sabine. “This latest multi-vehicle collision demonstrates that more substantial and timely interventions are necessary to protect all road users.”
Among the improvements suggested by Ms Sabine is the installation of traffic lights, alongside other safety features, to better manage traffic flow and reduce collisions.
Current measures include a proposed reduction in the speed limit from 60 mph to 50 mph and the deployment of AI cameras by Avon and Somerset Police to deter speeding and mobile phone use while driving. Additionally, Somerset Council plans to enhance the road surface, introduce central hatching to narrow lanes where possible, and carry out significant vegetation clearance to improve junction visibility.
Councillor Richard Wilkins reinforced the council’s commitment to making the road safer, noting, “We share the community’s concerns and are developing plans to improve road safety, including more visible road markings that produce noise when driven over, serving as an alert to drivers.”
Ms Sabine has requested meetings with council officials to discuss these potential measures further, reinforcing that driver responsibility remains crucial in preventing accidents.
“The evidence clearly shows that the risks at this junction demand stronger action,” she said. “Together with the council, we must take decisive steps to safeguard the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike.”