Crackdown on drivers at Somerset's worst speeding blackspots

The Avon and Somerset force and Somerset County Council's road safety team are supporting a campaign run by the National Police Chiefs' Council.

New ‘check your speed’ signs are appearing in areas where there have been regular speeding concerns raised by communities.

The current sites planned for the signs are:

• past Berkley C of E Primary School, near Frome;
• through Cannington;
• the A359 through Wanstrow;
• the A358 through Donyatt;
• and the B3139 from Watchfield to Wedmore.

The locations either have an active Community SpeedWatch or there has been previous enforcement or engineering work in the area to resolve the problem.

Police will also target other areas where enforcement could help reduce speeds.

The campaign concludes on Sunday (August 8).

In Somerset, speeding was a contributing factor to around 24 per cent of collisions where someone was killed or seriously injured within the last five years.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: "We are aware that people get very concerned about the speed of traffic, so we are very pleased to have worked with our partners, Avon and Somerset Police, and come up with a solution in areas where speeding has been an issue for a long time by using these signs for the first time in Somerset.”

Chief Inspector Jason Shears, roads policing lead for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We are listening to our communities’ speeding concerns and working closely with our partners – including Somerset County Council, Community Speed Watch, Highways England and the fire services to find solutions.

"Based on information and footage provided by the public our teams are out targeting repeat offenders and speeding hotspots.

“Speeding is a choice that puts others' lives at risk.

"Responsible/considerate drivers stay within the speed limits to keep themselves, their loved ones and our communities safe."