Safe Speed Forums

After lots of speculation amongst colleagues and friends about rumours that the dangerously slow 30 and 40mph speed limits on the A38 in Somerset between Rooksbridge and Star (M5 overbridge and North Somerset border) might be revoked I searched for info on google.
I came accross a page on the Somerset CC website referring to The County of Somerset (A38 Rooksbridge to Star) (50 mph Speed Limit, 40 mph Speed
Limit and 30 mph Speed Limit) (Revocation and Amendment) Order 2004]. I don't know any more information than this (yet!).

The background is that until 2002 the road was mainly NSL with short 50 and 40 limits, roughly as below when taveleing north (from left to right):



In 2002 it was changed to



I don't know what the new situation will be, but imho, it should be something like


The old speed limit around the Winscombe/Sidcot junction is no longer needed as it is now traffic light controlled. I would install a puffin or pelican crossing at Rooksbridge instead of having the (normally ignored) 30 limit.

This scheme and two others in Somerset look like they have been passed - see http://www.somerset.gov.uk/council/meet ... p?item=231
I am still not aware however what the detail of them is, as they don't appear to have been placed anyone online that google has yet spotted.

Chris

It's good to see a mild outbreak of common sense in Somerset. A recent visit confirmed they have implemented some really daft limits. You can go for miles along rural main roads with an apparently illogical mixture of 30s and 40s, but never anywhere near 50% built up.

Some interesting comments in the documents:

A number of the new speed limits along the A361 were implemented when the original speed management policy was first introduced. This resulted in 30mph limits in settlements regardless of road type or accidents, and also the use of 40mph speed limits as buffer zones. The public response has in many cases, been to deface or obscure the new signs...

The new proposals restrict 30mph limits to the built environment as recommended by the Department for Transport (DfT). In some areas the currently 60mph limit (derestricted) will remain, but this does not imply that a 60mph limit is a safe driving speed. The proposal in one circumstance is to implement a 50mph limit where it would be nearer the achievable speed on the road due to the curvature, width and large variations in gradients that apply in certain areas...

A significant factor when establishing new limits is driver perception. When it is not reasonably apparent why a speed limit has been introduced, a high level of non compliance is likely, and this may lead to disrespect of speed limits elsewhere. It is more realistic to warn motorists of hazards ahead rather than to expect adherence to speed limits that have no apparent meaning at their point of introduction.

Good to see you on this forum too, btw, Chris

_________________
"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

I've long held the belief that direct action seems to be all the govt. understand.

knowing a little about how the govt. and councils value their assets. the removal or destruction of a speed limit sign will cause a major headache and admin burden.

And thats aside from the fact that a rural 30,40 or 50 cannot be enforced if the speed limit repeaters are not in order.

I can assure you that this camera is still there enforcing a 30mph limit. I had the pleasure of being done at 5.15am one morning last year. I know its no excuse, thought it was 50mph...there you go. The camera has been pulled out of the ground several times by irate speeders, presumably, tractors being widely available locally. I believe that the reason for the camera is to allow locals to exit the side road nearby during rush hour - its a rat-run into Bristol from WSMare. Still, I caught my plane from Bristol Airport even if I am 6 points wiser.

There's a minor road near me that joins two villages about a mile apart.

One village is getting about 1/2 a mile of 40 limit on its edge, the other is getting its 30 limit extended slightly, to the degree where there is about 300 yards of NSL in between.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but why not just make it 40 the whole way?


Edit: hang on....



But don't cameras tend to make people bunch up?

That's exactly what happens on the A140 in Suffolk, although it's the threat of mobile scams that causes it. They put a blanket 50mph limit on the open bits and 30mph through the villages. Its normal to have a 2-3 minute wait to turn right onto it at busy times. The problem got marginally better once they removed the 40mph buffer zones each side of the 30s.