A ten year campaign to make the A362 Frome Road in Radstock safer and protect pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren in Writhlington, has finally seen a result – with the introduction of a speed camera just past Knobsbury Lane and next door to the new housing development.

Motorists will need to beware the camera, which will fine drivers travelling over 30 mph, either heading towards Frome or from the Terry Hill crossroads area, which will also be undergoing further safety work next year. The camera went live last week.

The new Mayor of Radstock, Cllr Keith Tyrrell, had been campaigning for the camera before he was involved with the Town Council, having witnessed first hand a fatal accident on this road as a local resident.

He hopes that hours of behind the scenes work and meetings with police and highways representatives will prevent accidents like this occurring again and help keep local children safe. Before the camera was installed, Highways recorded 8,000 vehicles using the A362 Frome Road every day, with the majority travelling at 38 mph and the top speed at 44 mph, which would have resulted in around 80% of motorists being prosecuted.

He said: “Myself and fellow Ward Councillors of Writhlington, Nick Toogood and Rob Langley, are delighted to see the installation of this safety camera at this location. It is a very dangerous junction on a stretch of road that is well known as ‘Radstock’s race track’.

“Having lived on this road for over thirty years, facing the problems that the speeding traffic has caused, I speak from experience, and began a campaign as a resident in 2007 to try and make this road safer.

“Since becoming a Ward Councillor for Writhlington in 2015 and, being the sole representative of the Council for Highways in Radstock, I’ve made it a priority to pursue this matter through both B&NES and Somerset Highways, which has culminated in this safety camera.

“For many years, the residents of Writhlington have had enough of inconsiderate motorists, who continually speed and overtake on this stretch of road; a built-up area with two schools in close proximity to one another.

“There are more improvements planned in the near future, with double yellow lines and a pedestrian crossing on the A362, which should make a difference to the safety of those on foot.

“In the spring of 2018, Terry Hill Crossroads will be revamped with many improvements, including the widening of roads, new illuminated signs, and road markings.

“All these improvements will be monitored by Highways, and should it be proven as unsatisfactory, then further works will be considered.”