The speed limit on the A361 Frome Bypass could be reduced to 50mph after more than 4,500 offences were recorded by new cameras between March and July.
State-of-the-art AI cameras were installed on the A361 by Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police as part of an ongoing package of measures to improve safety on the road, following six fatalities on the bypass in the last five years.
The speed limit on the road is currently 60mph. Between March and July this year, data from the AI camera recorded 74 speeding offences at over 80mph, 4,407 incidents of no seat belt being worn, and 119 instances of mobile phone use.
In addition to the camera initiative, a road safety engineering scheme is also in the pipeline as part of a joint partnership between Somerset Council’s road safety team and Avon and Somerset Police.
Currently the subject of a feasibility study, the scheme could include a lower speed limit, new road markings, and other in-built safety features.
It is anticipated that work could start in late 2026. In the meantime, the AI cameras will continue to operate on the road.
‘Relieved’
Residents and local councillors have been raising serious concerns about the safety of the Frome Bypass for several years.
Welcoming the move, MP Anna Sabine said she was relieved that a change in speed limit is being considered.
She said, “This is an incredibly dangerous stretch of road, which has had far too many collisions and near misses to be considered an acceptable roadway for the public.
“When I first campaigned on this, having just come into office last year, drastic changes like this seemed a long way off, so I am so pleased to see that the AI camera initiative will potentially lead to real changes being made so we can all feel safer driving.”
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Cllr Richard Wilkins, said, “We share the concerns of the community about the number of incidents on this stretch of road. That is why we are working in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police to try to improve safety.
“AI cameras are part of a package of measures – we will also be working with the police to put together an engineering scheme which could include a reduced speed limit as well as other measures.
“Driver behaviour contributes to around 90 per cent of serious road collisions, and these figures are shocking.
“We would urge all drivers – if you are getting behind the wheel of a car, please act responsibly. Remember it is not just your life you are risking, but the lives of other road users.”
Inspector Matt Boiles of Avon and Somerset Police said, “AI technology is helping us to identify unsafe driving behaviours that too often lead to tragedy. The number of offences recorded on the Frome Bypass is deeply concerning and shows that too many drivers are still taking unnecessary risks.
“This partnership approach allows us to combine enforcement with education and long-term road safety improvements. Every offence captured represents a potential life saved if that driver changes their behaviour.”
