IN the wake of yet another tragic fatality on the A361 Frome bypass, there have been renewed calls for immediate action to improve safety on the road.
It follows a fatal collision between a motorbike and a lorry on the A361 between the Marston Road and Blatchbridge roundabouts on Friday 23rd August.
For month 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 fatalities on that part of the road. The latest fatality, last week, has led to urgent calls for something to be done.
“I think this may be the seventh fatality this year alone. Forgive me if that figure is inaccurate, I’m simply losing count,” said local councillor Martin Dimery.
“This cannot go on,” he said. “I am aware that the accidents may have little in common other than human error, but surely speed cameras, road markings, warning signs, speed reduction, would help alert motorists to the dangers on this road?”
Following the community’s earlier plea for action, Somerset Council said it was being supported by the police in carrying out enforcement along the bypass to help change road user behaviour that contributes to collisions happening.
“There are no speed cameras at all in the Frome area,” explained Cllr Dimery, who said incidents along this stretch of road is ‘not a new phenomenon’ after a close friend of his was killed on a motorbike on the bypass 10 years ago. “We have a major housing development about to be considered by planning that actually will make the A361 even busier with more turnings and the possible addition of construction traffic, should it be passed.
“Adjustments have been proposed at the Beckington end of the bypass to accommodate more traffic but that is not where the road accidents appear to happen.
“I’m asking that all agencies give urgent consideration to working with the police to help reduce the dangers on this road.”
One resident said, “My condolences and thoughts are with the family. It’s about time the authorities did something about this road, there are so many accidents and it is getting worse. How many more lives need to be lost until something is done?”
Witness appeal
Avon and Somerset Police are asking for motorists in the area who witnessed what happened on Friday 23rd August, or may have relevant dashcam footage, to contact them online or on 101 and quote reference number 595 of 23 August.
