A BUSY road between Sherborne and Yeovil is set to be made safer after three people have died in crashes on the road since 2021.
This will see movement restrictions at the on the A30 near Sherborne, as well as the potential for an average speed camera by the end of this summer.
These improvements were sparked following the tragic death of 30-year-old mum Charlotte Avis, who died after her vehicle was struck head-on by another car that had crossed into her lane at the Over Compton junction in December 2022.
Former MP for West Dorset Chris Loder called for speed cameras following her death, describing the area as an unofficial racetrack between Sherborne and Yeovil.
A report by HM senior coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin highlighted eight collisions at the junction between January 2014 and March 2025, resulting in multiple injuries and four fatalities, three of which occurred in the last four years.
Ms Griffin also noted: “Although the speed of the road was reduced by Dorset Council from 70mph to 60mph, I have concerns around the layout of the road and the number of collisions in the area, and that there could be future deaths that occur.
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“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you have the power to take such action.”
In response, Dorset Council plans to introduce the following actions under a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO):
Movement restrictions at Over Compton junction
All right-turn, U-turn, and straight-over movements into Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane from the A30 will be prohibited.
Left turn movements onto and off the A30 at Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane will still be permitted.
Barriers will be installed at the junction to enforce these changes.
The effectiveness of the restrictions will be reviewed before any decision is made to make permanent changes.
Feasibility study for average speed cameras
Due to persistent speeding and a high number of collisions along the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne, the council will conduct a feasibility study into the effectiveness of installing average speed cameras.
This will be done in collaboration with Dorset Police to support enforcement of the 60mph speed limit introduced in October 2024.
The process for implementing a TTRO will see Dorset Council notify key stakeholders before implementation. This notification will occur soon.
Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “We were deeply saddened by Charlotte’s death and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, as well as to all those affected by other incidents where people have been killed or seriously injured at this junction.
“We are grateful to the coroner for her report and recommendations, which reflect our shared commitment to improving road safety.
“Road safety is one of our highest priorities, and we are determined to take whatever action is necessary to prevent further tragedies. We will continue working with partners and the community to ensure the A30 is as safe as possible.”
That bl**dy Jon Andrews has to say something about everything he doesn’t know anything about.
There have been no deaths on that road since the 60MPH speed limit was introduced. Yes all the previous deaths are sad but we have moved on.
Perhaps the odd police presence on the A30 would help but there are none in Sherborne.
Er, the speed limit was only introduced recently! Seems silly to wait for deaths before taking action, especially as each death on the road costs taxpayers more than the cost of installing these cameras.