TORIES MAKE ROADS SAFER (15/05/02)

Caroline Smeaton, Conservative County Councillor for Upper Tone, persuades the Transport department to review safety on the A38.

Cllr Smeaton wishes to add her support to the parish council of Bradford-on-Tone, who are extremely concerned about safety on the A38 Taunton to Wellington road.

This section of road has a speed limit of 50mph. This is 10mph lower than the standard on that road. This is indicative of the added danger along the stretch. Visibility is poor and there is a tendency to speed.

Thanks to Cllr Smeaton, safety is being reviewed. Although the Council are not undertaking to reconstruct the junction, or install traffic lights, progress has been made.

Cllr Smeaton commented, ‘At peak times commuters can wait up to 20 minutes at the junction. This can lead to frustration and drivers sometimes taking exceptional risks.

‘I would urge people to be patient and if at all possible, to avoid the junction during peak hours.

‘A series of safety measures are currently underway. In effect, a programme of ‘signing and lining’.

‘While this is only a part of the problem, these first tentative steps are to be welcomed. They are most definitely a step in the right direction.’