Resident fears for safety over ‘nightmare’ speeding

Concerns have been raised by a resident about the volume of cars and speeding along Broadway in Frome.

Robert Carne, 74, described the situation as a ‘nightmare’ and said he no longer uses his front door because he fears being hit by a vehicle when stepping on to the pavement.

He says he has witnessed vehicles travelling at an estimated 60mph along the residential street, which has a speed limit of 30mph.

“I have lived in my house since 1983 and it has definitely gotten worse as time has gone on. People drive like lunatics,” he said.

Robert said he had complained to Somerset Council’s highways team several times but felt his concerns had been ignored.

“Highways in Somerset are totally unresponsive. It is just appalling how neglected we are here. In my opinion, there needs to be measures in place including islands at each end of the road, with priority in the narrow section. I have also suggested flashing lights,” he said.

Robert said he feels the situation has also worsened since the implementation of the School Streets Scheme outside Oakfield Academy, which became permanent in September last year. The scheme introduced restrictions on vehicle access near some Frome schools during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as 20mph zones. Broadway was not included in the restrictions.

“I spoke to the school last year to try and get something done and told them the scheme isn’t working,” he said. “People aren’t following it and then speed all the way from Victoria Park and up past the school. There is absolutely no enforcement and the police aren’t interested.”

He started a Community Speedwatch group last April, which he said is yet to do any monitoring because members had struggled to find the time to take part.

Robert said the road had become busier over the years, with parked cars and vehicles mounting the pavement to pass one another through narrow sections.

“It is just quite frankly a nightmare,” he added.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “Somerset Council has been working closely with Frome Town Council who are looking at extending the existing 20mph to a wider scheme within Frome. This is currently with Frome Town Council for their consideration.”

To try and monitor the situation, Robert started a Community Speedwatch group last April. Although it has attracted more than two dozen members, he said it had yet to begin monitoring traffic because members had struggled to find the time to take part.