SOMERSET Council has revealed its proposals to slow 15 areas of Somerset down to 20mph come following requests from concerned residents.

These areas include North Petherton, Cannington, and Othery.

In response to 'a number of requests', the council invited all communities to apply for a 20mph speed limit if they were willing to fund the design and implementation and they are in line with Department for Transport criteria. 

These proposals are now moving forward and the Traffic Regulation Orders are currently being advertised. 

Read more: New 20mph speed limits to be implemented in Taunton as part of 15 updates in Somerset

During the 21-day consultation period, which closes week commencing the 8 April, people will have the chance to comment on the new proposals.  

Anyone wishing to discuss the speed limit within their community should contact their Town or Parish Clerk. 

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “We are always ready to support communities who wish to fund discretionary works such as the introduction of speed limits where appropriate. 

“This initiative is very much driven by the communities themselves – this is not about imposing measures people don’t want. 

“In all cases the call for a 20 mph or 30mph limit has come from local people, for very valid safety reasons. We’re really pleased to be able to support this.” 

The 15 proposed new 20 mph limits are in the following communities: 

·       Cannington 

·       Castle Cary and Ansford 

·       Chard 

·       Chewton Mendip 

·       Crowcombe 

·       Ditcheat and Alhampton 

·       Ilchester 

·       Monksilver 

·       North Petherton 

·       Othery 

·       Otterford 

·       Pilton 

·       Ruishton 

·       Trudoxhill 

·       Wincanton 

The news comes after two incidents in the space of a week saw cars end up on their roofs outside a Tesco Express in North Petherton.

On Monday, February 12, at around 4:35pm, a car collided with a parked vehicle on Fore Street.

Just six days later, on Sunday, February 18, another car collided with a parked vehicle in the same location and ended up on its roof.

The driver, a 59-year-old man, was hospitalised and charged with driving a motor vehicle when above the legal alcohol limit.