LOCALS have welcomed highways chiefs’ decision to cut the speed limit on a busy main road.

The A38 between Walford Cross and North Petherton will become 50mph, down from its current national limit of 60mph.

It follows decades of campaigning for road safety measures along the route, where there have been several accidents, including a fatal crash that claimed the lives of Luke Porter, aged 22, and Sophie Lack, 19, in 2012.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: “We are currently looking to improve safety in this area after concerns about excessive speeds and lack of facilities for pedestrians were raised by members of the local community.

“They contacted county councillor David Fothergill, who submitted a request for changes as part of the Small Improvements Scheme programme.

“The first phase of this includes reducing the speed limit from the national speed limit to 50mph between Walford Cross and North Petherton – an area which was extended after initial consultation with local residents.

“Dates have not yet been confirmed but we hope the work will be completed before the end of the winter.”

James Lowe, landlord at The Maypole Inn, Thurloxton, said: “It’s fantastic news and the first step towards making the road a lot safer.

“Safety on the A38 is, for the residents, incredibly important.

"There are near-misses every day.

"I hear the screeches and think, ‘I hope it’s not another accident’.

“We’re hoping that the next thing will be islands in the road so people are able to cross safely.

“My customers are pleased with the speed reduction – and hopefully the new limit will be enforced.”