MP calls for speed cameras on ‘racetrack’ between Yeovil and Sherborne

Paul JonesSeptember 15, 20230 Comment0

SPEED cameras should be installed on a busy route between Yeovil and Sherborne that has become an ‘unofficial racetrack’, says the area’s MP.

Chris Loder (Con, West Dorset) has called on Dorset Council to install the devices to curb speeding on the eastbound stretch of the A30.

His calls come after a number of incidents on the route, including a fatal crash which claimed the life of 30-year-old mum, Charlotte Avis, of Milborne Port, who tragically died after an incident on the route in December last year.

The council said it is ‘supporting’ work on the possible introduction of cameras on the route, as well as proposing to reduce the speed limit to 60mph from 70mph.

“In the aftermath of accidents locally, I am now calling for the implementation of average speed cameras on the A30 between Sherborne and Yeovil,” Mr Loder said.

Charlotte Avis sadly passed away after a crash on the A30 in December last year. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

“It is simply not enough for piecemeal measures, as this road has become a hotspot for avoidable accidents and an unofficial racetrack between the two towns.”

He added: “Residents from Sherborne, and the parishes of Bradford Abbas, Nether Compton, and Over Compton, which are either bordered or bisected by this stretch of road, have vocalised their wish for measures to be implemented to address excessive speeding.

“I strongly agree with their opinions, and I will be writing to the Highways Department at Dorset Council, which is responsible for the road, to implement average speed cameras.”

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We look forward to receiving correspondence from Mr. Loder. Our Road Safety Team are also proposing to reduce the speed limit on this highway to 60mph, which has the support of local town and parish councils, and we will be consulting with the public later this year.

“As a member of the Dorset Road Safe Partnership, we are supporting Dorset Police in their work to determine whether average speed cameras could also be introduced along this road.”