Living along the A371 in Somerset, between Castle Cary and Wincanton, has been a nerve-wracking experience for my family and me. Our daily lives have been shadowed by countless close calls and the memory of severe accidents happening just meters from our doorstep, including the heart-wrenching loss of a life. The bends on this stretch of road make it dangerously unsuitable for the current 60mph speed limit, and it’s a risk every time we pull out onto this busy road. Because of how our layby is situated, I also worry about my 6-year-old child, and my grown-up child with learning difficulties!

The safety issues are personal for us. I vividly recall the day my husband was sideswiped by a vehicle that came around the bend before anyone could react. They weren't going above 60 - there is just simply not enough space for to pull out and react quickly enough, or for drivers coming from behind the bend to do so, for that matter! We have a layby that doesn’t afford us enough visibility or time to safely merge with the traffic speeding by. Every time I drive, I fear for my life and those of my loved ones, anxious that the next mishap could result in a tragedy.

I also recall very clearly three separate incidents happening on different occasions, but in exactly the same spot, and involving two or three vehicles, just before the next bend, on my side of the road, literally 20 meters away, resulting on one, or even several vehicles losing control,  and toppling over into the field next to my house.  A couple of times there have been large trucks with trailers involved, that then need rescuing from the field. 

I've tried many times to talk to Somerset Highways about the seriousness of this situation, and they just don't want to listen, saying something about 'there aren't enough houses along here to meet the required conditions when even considering lowering speed-limits', and I should speak to the local councillors about my concerns. When I have spoken to the relevant councillors, they have promised to look into for us, but then don't return the call, and make it difficult for us to get through to them again. One councillor, who doesn't quite cover our area, would have actually done something about it, but was told by the two  who do cover our area, 'to keep out of their area'! The highways have even told us that we can't even put up a mirror to help us see better, as 'they are not usually used in Somerset, as they can cause even more danger', apparently! I tried making a complaint about the issue at least two years ago to the highways team, was told I would get a reply within a month, but have received no reply as of yet, despite chasing it! 

Somerset highways say on their website, that they want to reduce all fatal accidents by 100%, and serious road incidents by at least 85% latest by 2030, but they won't listen to local constituents with real genuine concerns, and work with them in a real way to achieve their own goals.  

Last year, on a different part of the A371, between Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet, Somerset Highways did actually reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40pmh on quite a large stretch of the road, and the bends, and amount of properties, etc. there are very similar to where I am. Yet when I asked them in a FOI request, they refused to tell me  details of what lead them to make the decision for a lower speed limit on that stretch. They obviously jus don't want to work with us on this issue, which is unacceptable. These accidents that occur quite frequently have severe consequences for the people involved, even if no-one gets severely injured, and they are actually avoidable mostly, just by doing things like reducing the speed limit on severe bends for a start! 

According to data from the Department for Transport, roads like these with complex bends and blind spots have higher accident rates. We need to take meaningful actions to prevent more accidents and protect lives. Reducing the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on certain dangerous stretches of the A371 could be a practical and effective solution.

Implementation of a lower speed limit can significantly curb accidents, providing essential reaction time for drivers. It’s a realistic and immediate action that teams up with residents, like myself, and wider road users to ensure everyone's safety.

Let’s urge Somerset Highways to listen to our community’s plea. Our lives, safety, and peace of mind depend on sensible speed limits that reflect the realities of this road’s dangerous conditions. By signing this petition, we stand united in demanding a safer environment for current and future occupants and travellers on the A371.

Please sign this petition to make our voices heard and bring about this vital change.