Lower speed limits for Frome?

By local democracy reporter Daniel Mumby

THE speed limit on a busy Frome road could soon be reduced as part of a plan to improve road safety in the local area. 

The B3090 connects the A361 arterial road with the town centre from the north, providing access to Frome Community College, the Merlin Theatre and the town’s community hospital. 

Somerset County Council has put forward a scheme which would see a significant stretch of the road reduced from 60mph to 40mph, as well as extending the 30mph zone near the college.  

Frome Town Council has backed the proposals, but has challenged Somerset County Council to be “more ambitious” with the plans. 

Whilst supportive of the “much needed” plans, Frome Town Council has suggested that Gypsy Lane, Cuckoo Lane, and the short section of the B3090 between Frome and Oldford, have a 30mph limit, rather than the suggested 40mph; that there be signage asking drivers to make room for cyclists; and that a 20mph limit be placed outside Frome College at all times, and be extended to the streets neighbouring the college.

The county council scheme has been out to public consultation, and could be implemented within the next 12 months if all goes well. Every county councillor is able to submit plans for ‘small improvement schemes’ – projects which can improve road safety in a designated short stretch of road through speed limit changes, traffic calming measures or other similar ventures. 

This scheme was put forward by cllr Linda Oliver, who has served as the division member for Frome North since 2014. 

Details of the scheme were published before a meeting of Frome Town Council’s planning committee on 26th August 26. 

Under the proposals, the stretch of the B3090 Oldford Hill between the northern edge of Frome and the nearby hamlet of Oldford will be reduced from the national speed limit (60mph) to 40mph. 

A spokesperson for the county council said, “Speed surveys have shown that a 40mph speed limit would be more appropriate on the road between Frome and Oldford.” 

The existing 30mph limit outside the college (Bath Road) will also be extended northwards, ensuring the speed change is “more visible” and thereby keeping both road users and pedestrians safer. 

New road signs will also be installed at the junctions with Cuckoo Lane and Gypsy Lane, as well as an advisory 20mph speed limit outside the college with ’20 When Lights Show’ signs being put in place. 

Finally, the county council will cut back existing vegetation (including possibly removing some trees) to improve visibility for drivers joining the main road.