NEW 20mph speed limits are being proposed in 15 Somerset communities.

Somerset Council has proposed the new limits for drivers after requests from residents.

Last year, the council said there were a number of requests from across Somerset for either 20mph or 30mph limits amid concerns over safety on roads.

In response, the council invited communities to apply for a 20mph speed limit if they were willing to fund the design and implementation and they are in line with Department for Transport (DfT) criteria.

The proposals are now moving forward and the Traffic Regulation Orders are currently being advertised.

During a 21-day consultation period over the proposed schemes, which closes in the week of April 8, people have the chance to comment on the new plans.

Anyone wishing to discuss the speed limit within their community should contact their town or parish clerk.

The new limits are proposed in:
• Cannington
• Castle Cary and Ansford
• Chard
• Chewton Mendip
• Crowcombe
• Ditcheat and Alhampton
• Ilchester
• Monksilver
• North Petherton
• Othery
• Otterford
• Pilton
• Ruishton
• Trudoxhill
• Wincanton

Lead member for transport and digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “We are always ready to support communities who wish to fund discretionary works such as the introduction of speed limits where appropriate.

“This initiative is very much driven by the communities themselves – this is not about imposing measures people don’t want.

READ MORE: Full list of where new 20mph speed limits are being rolled out in Dorset

“In all cases the call for a 20 mph or 30mph limit has come from local people, for very valid safety reasons. We’re really pleased to be able to support this.”

The news comes after new 20mph limits were revealed for a number of Dorset towns and villages, including Wimborne and Child Okeford.