SOMERSET Council has revealed its proposals to slow 15 areas of Somerset down to 20mph come following requests from concerned residents.

In response to 'a number of requests', the council invited all communities to apply for a 20mph speed limit if they were willing to fund the design and implementation and they are in line with Department for Transport criteria. 

These proposals are now moving forward and the Traffic Regulation Orders are currently being advertised. 

Read more: New 20mph speed limits to be implemented in Taunton as part of 15 updates in Somerset

 

During the 21-day consultation period, which closes week commencing the 8 April, people will have the chance to comment on the new proposals.  

Anyone wishing to discuss the speed limit within their community should contact their Town or Parish Clerk. 

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “We are always ready to support communities who wish to fund discretionary works such as the introduction of speed limits where appropriate. 

“This initiative is very much driven by the communities themselves – this is not about imposing measures people don’t want. 

“In all cases the call for a 20 mph or 30mph limit has come from local people, for very valid safety reasons. We’re really pleased to be able to support this.” 

The 15 proposed new 20 mph limits are in the following communities: 

·       Cannington 

·       Castle Cary and Ansford 

·       Chard 

·       Chewton Mendip 

·       Crowcombe 

·       Ditcheat and Alhampton 

·       Ilchester 

·       Monksilver 

·       North Petherton 

·       Othery 

·       Otterford 

·       Pilton 

·       Ruishton 

·       Trudoxhill 

·       Wincanton 

The news comes shortly after more than 100 drivers were caught speeding on an A-Road near Chard last week.

More shockingly, the total 106 speeding motorists were caught over just a two hour period.

Avon and Somerset Police's Roads Policing Unit were set up on the A358 near Chard on Thursday, March 21, when the offenders were caught. 

Somerset Council recently launched a new campaign to make our roads safer after a 'disturbing' number of people were killed on the county's roads last year.