Calls to reduce speed limit on A370 in Lympsham after series of accidents

Residents who live along the A370 in Lympsham said there have been ‘several’ serious crashes on the road in the last year and they have more will occur if the current 60mph speed limit is not reduced.

Becki Haskins, a resident who lives along the A370, said there have been two serious accidents near to her home this year and she wants Somerset County Council to take action to reduce the number of accidents on the road.

She said: “The road is very fast and pulling out onto the road is difficult from drives and side roads.

“The road has many collection and drop off points for several school buses so has children and parents walking, waiting and crossing the road.

“There was an accident involving a child several years ago and the recent accidents have happened on points where school buses collect and drop off.

“There is a issue with speed on this road and the layout and signage needs to be improved.

“People quite often overtake others dangerously on the road.

“Residents would like a reduction in speed limit between Lympsham and Uphill as well as improved marking such as ghost islands and perhaps no overtaking sections on the curves.”

Stuart Nichols, who also lives along the stretch of road, said the road is ‘dangerous’ and he thinks improvements need to be made ‘sooner rather than later.’ He said: “I think a speed restriction between Lympsham and Uphill would help and better road markings would also help reduce the number of accidents.

“Residents along the A370 are concerned about safety on the road and want some road improvements.

“There is a a 50mph zone at Eastertown and 50mph limit at Bleadon - why can’t they just do a 50mph speed limit for the whole lot?”

A spokesman for Somerset County Council, said: “We’re aware of some concerns raised about the A370 near Lympsham and are working with partners to consider whether any action to improve road safety at this location may be appropriate.”