A NEW speed limit has been implemented near Ilminster after a successful community group campaign.

Residents raised £4300 to to introduce a 30mph traffic zone in Kingstone and the surrounding areas of Moolham Lane and Mill Lane.

The community group started a petition back in May 2021 to highlight the danger of the road.

One of the trustees for the project said: “It’s in place now, it happened last week. The county council have put the sign up.

“We raised all the funds within the community and all the neighbours chipped in here and there.

“Everyone has been very supportive. Everyone was worried about that and it gives us peace of mind. Hopefully most motorists will adhere to that.

“We are also looking to work with the police about a community speed watch.

“The new speed limit is very reassuring and it makes the area a bit safer. It is a road without any pavement and at least now we feel like we’ve got a bit more right of use. Previously was a national speed limit road and they were driving at a ridiculous speed.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

Somerset County Council confirmed the speed limit is now in place.

A spokesperson said: “The order is now legally enforceable as the upright signs are in place.

“There’s some further work which needs to be completed such as the 30 and ‘SLOW’ road markings – these should be in place by the end of the month.

The petition, started back in May 2021, was well-supported by the community and since then a group of villagers worked alongside the Traffic Management team SSC, council members, and Dowlish Wake PCC to review the existing difficulties of speed, safety, and heavy lorry usage.

After that, a Traffic Regulation Order was then “sealed”, Somerset County Council confirmed in December last year.