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Search forSlower limit at crossroads blackspot is refused
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 10:54
St Cuthbert Out Parish Council asked if it would be possible to move the 40mph sign to the Wells side of the junction of the Old Wells Road at Dinder.
This junction has been a scene of a number of accidents in recent years, and the parish council hoped that as well as reducing accident rates, a reduced limit from 50mph to 40mph, would also slow the traffic before hitting Croscombe, a move that is supported by Croscombe Parish Council.
However, Somerset County Council has said it will not change the limit, as a change would not have the support of the police.
The Police Traffic Management Unit, based at Police HQ, Portishead, was asked by Somerset to look at the parish council's request to extend the speed limit to a point beyond the Dinder junction.
The county council reported that the police feel that current vehicle speeds are likely to be at a level that is consistent with the current 50mph limit and not a reduced limit of 40mph.
Latest government guidance is that if a speed limit is set in isolation or is unrealistically low, it is likely to be ineffective and lead to disrespect for the speed limit. It may also result in communities expecting that the limits were policed, at significant cost.
In a guidance document to local authorities, the Department for Transport says: "Speed limits should not be used to solve the problem of isolated hazards such as a single road junction."
A spokesman for the county council said: "Requests for a reduced speed limit at the Dinder Old Wells Road junction have been seriously considered by Somerset.
"We are obliged to consult with the chief officer of police and in this case, support for a speed limit reduction from 50mph to 40 mph at this junction was not given.
"When considering speed limit reductions, numerous factors are taken in to account, however it is not good practice to introduce a restriction without police support. We do encourage drivers to drive safely on Somerset's roads."
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