The speed limit is set to be reduced in the way of a fatal accident

The council says the proposals aim to improve the safety of the A368 by introducing speed limits that better reflect the dangers of the road, which passes through villages, has narrow sections and sharp curves. The aim is also to encourage more active travel by making the highway safer for people to walk, drive and cycle.

Current uses of the A368

The A368 is one of the main roads through the south and west of Bath and north-east Somerset. It runs from Marksbury to Ubley on the B&NES, connecting travelers from the east with the A38, which runs north to Bristol Airport and south to Bridgwater, the M5 and beyond.

Although used as a through route, the A368 also runs through the center of several villages and three conservation areas (West Harptree, Compton Martin and the Ubley border) and is the main route around parts of Chew Valley Lake. As such, it serves very different purposes for different users:

• a key commuter route to Keynsham, Bath and Bristol
• a through route for longer distance traffic connecting with the A38, M4 or M5
• an everyday street for local people to get to school or local shops and businesses
• a popular recreational route for individuals and groups of cyclists, especially in the sections near Chew Valley Lake

The proposed changes

This project aims to make the A368 safer for all users by making our approach to speed limits across the length of the route more consistent and lowering speed limits to improve safety for everyone, particularly in residential areas. In general, our proposals will mean the following:

• In non-residential areas where there is currently a national or 50mph speed limit, we intend to reduce the limit to 40mph.
• Approaching residential areas, where the road currently has a 40mph limit, we propose to reduce this to 30mph.
• In residential areas, we are proposing that the A368 and the local roads leading to it see a reduction in the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.

Cllr Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We want to make around 17km of this A road safer by introducing more consistent and appropriate speed limits. We want to hear from residents, businesses and those who use the A368 regularly to get their views on our proposals.”

The public is being asked to have their say in the consultation, which closes at 11.59pm on 15 August. To take part in the consultations please visit the council’s website. The Board will consider feedback on this proposal before making a final decision on whether to implement the changes.