Over the past year, more than 500 drivers have been caught speeding in known hot spots around Frome, according to the Mendip Community Speedwatch team.
Around 1,800 motorists are now receiving warning letters from the police after being recorded exceeding the speed limit on Bath Road, The Clink, Locks Hill, Frome town centre, Styles Hill and Warminster Road.
Ashley Reay, lead coordinator for the Mendip Community Speedwatch team, also highlighted issues near Berkley School on Berkley Street, where over 200 drivers have been reported for prosecution. “Some were driving at speeds of up to 68mph in a 30mph zone,” said Ashley.
Speeding in Frome has been a long-standing concern for residents and local councillors, who have worked to raise awareness about the dangers and introduce speed reduction measures in parts of the town. These include the installation of Speed Indicator Devices to deter speeding and encourage drivers to slow down.
Of particular concern is the Frome Bypass. Following a number of fatal incidents in recent years and repeated calls from councillors and residents for action, new AI speed cameras have now been installed.
Ashley said, “Due to the recent high number of fatalities, these cameras also record offences such as not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones and careless driving.”
He added that a speed enforcement unit based in Frome is also being considered. “Motorists have simply brought these actions upon themselves by refusing to travel at the posted speed limits,” he said.
Pictured: Bath Road (Google maps)
