B&NES Councillors in Peasedown St John are calling for the speed limit on the bypass around their village to be reduced.

Councillors Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independent), who have both campaigned for many years for additional road safety measures across the community, believe more needs to be done to ensure the A367 Peasedown St John bypass is safer for both drivers and pedestrians.

Cllr Walker said: “One of the top concerns that residents raise with us on a regular basis is the excessive speed of traffic around the Peasedown St John bypass.

"As well as motorists, the road is also used regularly by dog walkers and those commuting to and from work, on foot, at the Bath Business Park.

"With an increase in accidents on the bypass in recent years, particularly around the notorious A367/Bath Road junction, more needs to be done to make this well-used road safer.

"We are calling for the current speed limit of 60mph to be reduced by 10mph.

"It is already 50 mph in a few limited places, but we want to see the entire bypass reduced to this more acceptable speed limit.”

B&NES Council’s Highways Department have recently agreed to include the A367 as part of a new council road safety pilot scheme.

Cllr Bevan added: “In practice, the pilot will see certain roads targeted by having all hedgerows cut back, so all motorists can see speed signage more clearly. It also includes all existing signage being cleaned, and additional missing signage erected, particularly on the A367, in our area from Dunkerton Hill to and along the bypass at Peasedown St John.

"The A367/Bath Road junction, at the southern end of Peasedown St John, has seen a spate of serious accidents over the last ten years. Hopefully, a reduction in the speed limit towards the junction, and the introduction of the council’s pilot scheme will make a difference and decrease the number of accidents here.”

The councillors’ request for a speed limit reduction is currently being considered by B&NES’ highways department.