Burnham and Highbridge Town Councillors have this week supported calls for a proposed new speed limit on Poples Bow, saying growing safety concerns along the busy road need to be formally reviewed by Somerset Council.
At a meeting on Monday evening (August 10th), councillors considered a detailed letter from a local resident who urged the Town Council to support lower speeds and introduce pedestrian safety improvements. The narrow road is a popular cut-through from the A38 to Worston Road.
The local resident says the current national speed limit of 60mph “no longer reflects how the road is used,” explaining that the expansion of the nearby industrial estate has led to a significant increase in people walking to and from work along Poples Bow each day.
The letter highlighted that the road has no pavement, forcing pedestrians to walk on or extremely close to the carriageway while vehicles can legally travel at high speed.
Poor street lighting was also raised as a concern, with the resident saying visibility is particularly difficult during early mornings, evenings and throughout the winter months. They described the combination of high speeds, increased footfall, no pavement and low lighting as “a serious safety concern.”
Many of those walking the route, they added, have little choice but to do so because they rely on public transport or live within walking distance of the industrial estate. They argued that the road has changed considerably over time and that the current speed limit “does not reflect its present-day use.”
The resident asked the Town Council to support a request for Somerset Council to carry out a formal review of the speed limit, with a view to reducing it to 30mph, alongside consideration of a pavement, improved lighting and possible pedestrian crossings or traffic‑calming measures.
Cllr Barbara Vickers said: “It’s ridiculous that this road is set at a 60mph limit, it’s really dangerous. I support a review and think that signs telling drivers that ‘20 is plenty’ would be good.”
Cllr Mike Murphy said he also felt a “20mph limit is appropriate given the issues there.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to support the proposals “in principle,” noting that any changes would need to be assessed and approved by Somerset Council’s Highways team.
