A signs-only 20 mph speed limit in Midsomer Norton is being proposed by Bath and North East Somerset Council to improve road safety. Local people are being given the chance to have their say about the idea in a consultation that runs only until 7th November. A leaflet to every household in the proposed restriction area will be distributed shortly.
The proposed area covers the vast majority of homes on estate roads in the town, but excludes the A362, the main road through Welton, the route from Paulton to Chilcompton, more specifically West Road, Station Road, North Road, Radstock Road, Northmead Road, and Paulton Road. Charlton Park is excluded from the plan.
The Council is investing £500,000 into safer speed limits across the district and Midsomer Norton is the next community being given the opportunity to give its view.
The concept of 20 mph has been welcomed previously by the local Police. Chief Inspector Simon Ellis, Avon and Somerset police, said, "Generally we welcome the concept of 20 mph in built-up areas. Reducing the speed of motorists in built up areas has to be a good thing and I have no doubts that it will make these areas safer places. I am hoping that drivers will take responsibility for the speed of their vehicles and adjust their driving habits accordingly. My officers will work alongside the Council, ensuring we raise awareness of the new speed limits and encouraging drivers to embrace and adhere to the new speed limits."
There is further information about the timetable and proposed order for introducing the limits on the Council's website on http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/20mphspeedlimit">www.bathnes.gov.uk/20mphspeedlimit
No traffic calming measures will be introduced in combination with the introduction of the limits.understands that the police originally supported 20 mph limits on the basis that they were self-policing through traffic calming measures, specifically excluded by B&NES.
B&NES Conservative Councillors who represent Midsomer Norton have been contacted for their views. They generally welcomed the plans for 20mph limits, but have warned that it must not be at the expense of other road safety schemes and have criticised the short length of the consultation.
Cllr Michael Evans (Cons., Midsomer Norton North) said: "Road safety is consistently raised at local PACT meetings as a major concern amongst local residents, and we support the introduction of 20 mph limits where they are shown to have the backing of the local community and will reduce accident rates.
"However, this is a lot of money for the Council to spend on one road safety project, and must not be to the detriment of other, more targeted road safety schemes. There are many other schemes which the local community have said they want for Midsomer Norton, such as a pedestrian crossing at Welton Primary School, across Radstock Road, a crossing to take pedestrians safely from South Road Car Park to the High Street and, crucially, a crossing on Silver Street linking the new cycle path to Somervale School. B&NES must not neglect these other important safety improvements."
Cllr Paul Myers (Cons., Midsomer Norton Redfield) added: "The fact that B&NES has given such an unacceptably short period of just two weeks for people to give their views on what will be a major change is deeply concerning. It does not give the impression that the Lib-Dems really want to know what local residents think or give time to gather enough responses.
"We will be urging the Lib-Dems who run B&NES to give more time to this consultation, so that all local residents have the opportunity to give their views on these plans."