On February 18th, Bruton’s own Speedwatch initiative kicked off, with seven volunteers keeping track of speeds on our roads.
The group, run by Steve Turner and supported by the Town Council, will be having two or three session per week with a speed gun, and are targeting Cole Road and the Frome road.
If they spot motorists speeding, then advisory letters are sent out, and in the case of repeat offenders then the police are informed.
The group is also responsible for Bruton’s speed indicator device (SID) which you will have seen around the town. The data collected by the SID is very concerning, with speeds of over 70mph recorded on Cole Road and on Dropping Lane, and 69mph by Cuckoo Hill. The majority of drivers on Dropping Lane, Shute Lane, Cuckoo Hill and Cole Road were breaking the speed limit – only the Quaperlake Street site showed most drivers under 30mph.
The Town Council are hopeful that agreed plans for traffic calming on Cole Road and reduced speed limits in the town centre will soon be implemented, having been delayed because of spending cuts at Somerset County Council.
