‘Action needed’ to address safety of A361 following further fatalities

THERE have been renewed calls for Somerset Council to implement road safety measures along the A361 following a three-vehicle collision in which two women were killed. 

For several months, residents and councillors have been urging Somerset Council to introduce safety measures or reduce the speed limit along the Frome bypass section of the A361, following several recent fatalities on that part of the road. Despite these calls, Somerset Council has stated that any alterations to the road are unlikely to prevent collisions and fatalities. 

However, following the most recent collision on Thursday 30th May, which occurred further along the A361 at Marston Road, there have been calls for immediate action to prevent further collisions. 

Town councillor Anita Collier said, “I am deeply saddened by the two recent deaths on the A361. The statistics are gathering pace as the human lives lost along this treacherous road have now reached seven in the last five years. I appreciate that the recent tragedy happened along a different section from the others, but it is nevertheless enough to show us that some action needs to be taken.” 

One resident said, “I have driven a lot on the A361 and I can see the massive safety concerns with it. Sadly, there have been fatalities recently, and it clearly is not a road that is safe enough for people at the moment. It feels like it’s used as a race track.” 

Urgent pleas

This recent tragedy has reignited the debate over the safety of the A361, particularly the Frome bypass section, where several fatalities have already occurred. Despite the growing number of incidents and the urgent pleas from the community, Somerset Council maintains that road alterations are not the solution to preventing further deaths. 

Prior to last week’s collision, Somerset Council said, “Following the four tragic incidents which have led to the deaths of five people in road collisions on the Frome bypass since 2019, we have worked with the Police to understand the circumstances and what might be done to reduce the likelihood of such events happening again. The detailed assessment of the data highlights that the circumstances of the collisions tend to show that road user behaviour is a key element of why the collisions have been occurring.” The council says it will investigate ongoing collisions and use the outcome of these to inform future assessments.   

The council said, “At this stage, the evidence we have suggests that road safety engineering is unlikely to be successful in reducing the future chances of further similar collisions happening on the bypass.” The council says it will also analyse collision data of incidents at the A361/A362 junction, to understand why the cluster of collisions here have occurred. They say this will allow the council to develop plans to improve the junction within a future road safety engineering scheme.  

They added, “We are also being supported by the Police in carrying out enforcement along the bypass to help change road user behaviours that contribute to collisions happening. We will continue to promote our Fatal Five campaign and are making plans for a road safety surgery in Frome. We are also keen to work with the town council and the LCN [Local Community Network] to help promote the Fatal Five road safety messages within local communities.”  

In response cllr Collier said, “Regardless of these findings, I believe, as does Ashley Reay, Mendip Community Speed Watch coordinator, that there is still a case for reduced speed signs placed strategically along the relevant sections of this road. For example, 50mph would, I’m sure, contribute to greater safety and would certainly make it easier to cross from the A362 on to the bypass.   

“Sometimes it’s not just about the technical findings, it’s equally about putting people’s minds at rest, knowing someone is taking it seriously and understands the concerns of local residents.   

“My heart goes out to all the families and friends of these terrible collisions.  I will continue to pursue the case with Somerset Council and the police, to do everything we can to avoid any further devastating accidents.”  

Avon and Somerset Police are asking for motorists in the area who witnessed what happened on Thursday 30th May, or may have relevant dashcam footage, to contact them online or on 101 and quote reference number 5224139063.