Plans to Cut Speed Limits on Collision-Prone A370 Stretch

A major road safety scheme aimed at reducing collisions on one of North Somerset’s busiest roads has been proposed by North Somerset Council.

Photo: Google Maps

The plans would see speed limits reduced along the 3.8-mile section of the A370 between M5 Junction 21 and Hildesheim Bridge in Weston-super-Mare, following concerns over the route’s long-standing collision record.

The dual carriageway carries around 35,800 vehicles every day but, despite an overall decline in road traffic collisions across North Somerset in recent years, this stretch has failed to show similar improvements and remains one of the area’s most dangerous roads.

Although the route makes up just 0.5 per cent of the district’s road network, it has accounted for more than five per cent of all reported injury collisions over the past 30 years. Statistics show drivers are more than 10 times as likely to be involved in a collision on this section than elsewhere on the network.

The road also contains four of the 13 collision cluster sites identified during recent safety reviews, with excessive speed cited as a recurring factor in many incidents.

Under the proposals, speed limits would be lowered at several points along the route:

• Somerset Avenue (M5 Junction 21 to Airport Roundabout): 60mph to 50mph

• Airport Roundabout: 50mph to 40mph

• Flowerdown Bridge: 50mph to 40mph

• Herluin Way: 50mph to 40mph

• Winterstoke Road and Marchfields Way: 40mph to 30mph

  
  

The council says the changes are in line with national road safety guidance and reflect measures already adopted by neighbouring authorities. It also points to speed monitoring data which suggests average vehicle speeds along much of the route already support lower limits.

According to the authority, the impact on journey times is expected to be minimal, with a 10mph reduction likely to add less than a minute to most journeys. Officials say delays caused by traffic signals and congestion already account for the majority of travel time during peak periods.

The council has also highlighted research from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), which found that a one mph reduction in average speed can lead to a five per cent reduction in collisions. Driving at lower speeds can also improve fuel economy by between five and 10 per cent while reducing vehicle emissions.

Councillor Hugh Malyan, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member responsible for roads, said: “The collision record for this stretch of busy road is ten times higher than it should be and speed is a key factor in this. By lowering the limit by 10mph we hope to reduce incidents and improve safety with minimal impact on journey times. The 10mph reduction will also improve fuel consumption and lower emissions which is good for the pocket as well as the environment.”

Traffic Regulation Order notices are due to be published from Thursday, 16 July, with work expected to begin on site at the end of August, subject to the statutory process.