Renewed calls for road safety measures on A361 following fatal collision

THERE has been renewed calls for road safety measures to be implemented on the A361 bypass following another fatal road collision. 

Frome councillor, Anita Collier, has called for Somerset Council to install a speed camera on the bypass to deter speeding and aid investigations should another incident occur in the area. Local MP, Sarah Dyke, has also called for a meeting with Somerset Council to discuss the safety of the road.

This follows an incident on Monday 8th April where a Mercedes C220 AMG collided with a silver Volkswagen Golf at the junction of the A361 and A362, which caused the tragic death of the young woman driving the Golf, Natasha Poore. This latest fatal collision marks the fifth death on the A361 since 2019 and the third death in the last nine months. 

Somerset Council has said that they will meet with the MP and local police to discuss how they might improve road safety in the area, this week. 

In a statement, Somerset Council said, “Clearly this is a tragic incident and before we rush to any conclusions, we will need to await the outcome of the police investigation which is ongoing. 

“Safety engineering improvements are only one element in reducing the likelihood of collisions occurring; education, awareness raising and enforcement also play a key role. Following five deaths in this area since 2019, we have arranged to meet with the local MP, and Avon and Somerset Police, to discuss how we might raise awareness and improve road safety in the area.” 

‘Lives must come before money’

Local councillor Anita Collier says that residents have become “increasingly concerned and angry” that very little has been offered from Somerset Council with regard to improving road safety on the A361. 

She said, “I have previously questioned Somerset Council about their criteria for action. It seems abhorrent to me that they need to wait for three deaths and multiple incidents before reviewing the situation. 

“I’ve been led to believe that in both the previous accidents, the reckless driving was partly due to other circumstances which contributed to the speed. Accidents can occur through dangerous driving, lack of seat belts, use of mobiles, drugs, drink, bad vehicle maintenance and many other factors, so it’s not always down to speed.  

“My point, however, is that a speed camera would not only make drivers think twice, but would enable more thorough investigation into poor driving behaviours. It would also, of course, help police to speed up the results of any road traffic collision, allowing remedial action to be taken faster.

“I’m working closely with the police, Somerset Council, Community Speed Watch and other Somerset councillors who represent Frome, to encourage some form of action quickly. As a town council, we are appalled and saddened to hear of these tragic cases, and I can assure you that anyone and everyone who has a voice is aiming it at Somerset Council and making it well and truly heard.  

“This situation in Frome is not only distressing, it’s become urgent, and we will continue to put pressure on Somerset until they accept that lives must come before money.” 

Previously, Somerset Council was asked about the possibility of installing traffic lights as a way to increase safety and slow vehicles down, but this was deemed to be financially prohibitive, and ideas about a roundabout at the A361 to A362 junction were rejected due to the proximity to the railway line. 

Local MP, Sarah Dyke, has demanded an urgent meeting with Somerset Council to discuss road safety on the A361. 

She said, “The Frome bypass is riddled with blackspots along its entire length. Three lives have been lost on this stretch of road within nine months and that simply can’t continue. 

“Road traffic collisions have a physical, emotional, social and economic impact on all those involved, and on the wider community. 

“I’m demanding an urgent meeting with Somerset Council to discuss how we can work together with stakeholders to design a set of principles and policies aimed at eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on the A361 specifically, but also across the county’s road network.” 

If residents have any dashcam, CCTV or other footage, or any information about the circumstances leading to the collision, the police are asking people to call 101 and give the reference 5224089811.