The family of a man who was killed on the A361 have called on the local authorities to change the speed limit on what has been described as a “dangerous’ road.”

Melvyn Cole, 63, was hit by a driver of a white BMW 1 Series in East Cranmore on Wednesday April 17. The BMW driver was travelling towards Shepton Mallet when it collided with Melvyn’s green Vauxhall Astra, travelling towards Frome.

Melvyn had left work just ten minutes prior and was on his way home when he died.

Emma Powell, Melvyn’s daughter-in-law, recently visited the crash site to lay flowers in his memory. She told The Journal: “We've sat and watched the traffic either side of the road. Some think it's appropriate to overtake a slow moving vehicle, like a quarry truck, before they reach the overtaking lane and use the turning lane instead. “The turning lane is not clearly marked but is visible, meaning not everyone is using their highway code because they're in too much of a hurry or driving too fast down the road and don’t have time to brake quickly enough.”

Since their visit to the crash site, the family have started an online petition to lower the speed limit from the current 60mph restriction. They would also like to see speed cameras installed and turning lanes repainted to make them more visible to motorists.

The stretch of road between Frome and Shepton Mallett passes Torr Works Quarry, with heavy lorries often leaving the depot to access the busy road. Despite signs warning speeding drivers of slow moving traffic, Emma said: “Impatient drivers think it is okay to cross a solid white line or turning lanes to overtake slow moving vehicles.”

The petition to lower the speed limit can be found here: https://www.change.org/p/speed-reduction-on-a361-to-stop-more-fatalities

Emma has also set up a fundraiser to help the family with funeral costs. Via the fundraiser message, she said: “The whole family are riddled with grief as he leaves behind his son Kieren and his five grandchildren.”

With the money raised, the family will arrange a funeral to “honour Melvyn in the way he deserves to be”. To donate, visit: https://gofund.me/9ebe4105.

Avon and Somerset Police is investigating the crash. Witnesses have come forward and one individual has agreed to do a voluntary interview. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam footage should contact the police online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 5224098411.