New speed limit on key route amid safety concerns

Speed limits on a key commuter route have been reduced in a bid to boost safety.

A new 30mph limit is in place on the A38, the main route into Taunton, replacing the previous 40mph zone.

The speed restrictions have been installed between the Orchard Grove roundabout, the Silk Mills roundabout and Wellington Road.

Taunton Town Council said the change followed "concerns raised by local residents about road safety, particularly the risks for children crossing the A38".

Town council chiefs also said residents had highlighted increased traffic due to new developments in the area.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the Silk Mills roundabout is often congested and serves as the main link between the Silk Mills park and ride and the wider west Somerset area.

The affected road includes the junction with Comeytrowe Lane, which has been shut until 23 December to allow for the delivery of a bus gate as part of the Orchard Grove development.

First approved in 2018, the bus gate is designed to improve public transport links between the new 2,000-home Orchard Grove development and the town centre.

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