The A362 Frome Road, Radstock, could soon be the site of a new speed camera and highways improvements, as a campaign to make the road both slower and safer gets underway. A meeting held with B&NES and Somerset County Highways, the police and community speedwatch group, organised by Radstock Town Councillor, Keith Tyrrell, on Tuesday this week, could result in work beginning as quickly as next spring.

Speaking to The Journal, Cllr Tyrrell said: “Having lived on the A362 Frome Road for thirty years, I’m aware of the problem of speeding traffic travelling in and out of Radstock, and campaigned for a long time to slow the traffic, with minimal outcome.

“Now, as a Councillor for Radstock and School Governor at St Mary’s, Writhlington, I am now able to call the relevant people together to improve the safety of residents – in particular, the children of both Writhlington and St Mary’s Schools.

“The discussions were very positive, with improvements possible due to the S106 allocation from the Haywood Heights development at Writhlington and include suggestions such as double white lines, relocation of existing signage, vehicle activated signs, a speed camera and clearance of foliage.

“All works are subject to the correct legal procedures and a business case being made by B&NES Highways, which is in progress. Work will commence in the spring of 2017 if, and when, everything is in place.

“As the traffic problems commence from Terry Hill Crossroads (a notorious accident zone) and continue along the A362 into Radstock, it involves both Somerset County Highways and B&NES, which has been challenging to negotiate, but by persistent dialogue, I’ve managed to bring both parties to the table, where they have been very helpfully working together.

“Somerset County Highways have acknowledged the difficulties at Terry Hill and already have commenced discussions for improvements. This work should be carried out next spring.

“Data has been collected on the A362 Frome Road involving the volumes and the speed of traffic, which has led to positive action being taken. This will continue to be monitored after the improvements to see if further action is necessary.

“Further positives from this meeting is that the police and both highways involved will be working closely with Writhlington School to try to alleviate the traffic problems in Knobsbury Lane. All parties have agreed in principal to the improvements and ongoing discussions with updates will be forwarded to me, where it will go to full Council for approval.”

There have also been renewed safety calls on the A367 at Peasedown St John and Dunkerton this week, after another incident took place last Tuesday. This stretch of road has seen serious accidents in recent weeks, one of which resulted in the death of a man in his twenties. An online petition has been launched for a speed camera on Dunkerton Hill, which has already gathered over 300 signatures. Chair of Dunkerton and Tunley Parish Council, Martin Robinson, has said improving road safety here is ‘high priority’.