A group of worried residents in Highbridge are to set to launch a new community speedwatch group to try and combat the problem of speeding motorists.
Over a dozen residents aired their concerns over the dangerous high speeds of drivers during a public meeting held at Morland Hall last night (Monday).
Residents are especially keen to halt speeding traffic along Walrow, pictured below, where they say motorists often drive at up to 60mph through the 30mph zone.
The meeting was organised by Highbridge councillors Roger and Janet Keen with input from Avon and Somerset Police PCSO Mike Shaw and local community speedwatch organiser Mike Scholar.
“Residents feel strongly enough about the problem that they want to see a group formed with the aim of getting a permanent speed restriction introduced,” said Cllr Roger Keen.
The new group, to be led by resident Jenna Dyer, will get training to use a speed gun to capture speeds of traffic along Walrow. Data will be captured about speeds of passing vehicles and Police can issue warning letters and take action against persistent offenders.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Jenna said: “A lot of children live in this part of Highbridge and it worries us how dangerous it has become with speeding traffic. It is an accident waiting to happen, so by launching the new group we hope it will deliver results and lasting positive changes.”
Another resident, Mel May, said he’d like to see a new 20mph speed limit introduced along Walrow, adding: “It is treated like a race track at all hours of the day. We see traffic speeding through at 50-60mph every day as soon drivers get round the bend. It’s very dangerous and someone needs to be done.”
Cllr Janet Keen told the residents she would also be re-contacting Somerset County Council’s Highways Team to seek a site visit from them to look at the overall speeding problems, parking issues and the safety of the railway bridge.
