SPEEDS of a shocking 100mph were recorded on Bridgwater roads – in zones with limits of 50mph and lower.
Bridgwater Town Council (BTC) has reviewed the latest Speed Indicator Device (SID) data, recorded on town routes from December 2024 to February 2025.
The council said findings highlight “traffic patterns, vehicle speeds, and potential safety concerns, particularly in areas where excessive speeds have been recorded”.
And some of the speeds were a long way above limits, including a driver recorded at 100mph on the Bristol Road, 95mph on Parrett Way, and 51mph on Rhode Lane.
Cllr Tim Mander, a member of the Transport Forum at BTC, said: “These traffic reports help us better understand how roads are being used and where potential risks exist.
“Although I am pleased to see the average speeds fall well within permitted limits some of the top speeds recorded are quite frightening.
“You must remember most of these locations are either in residential areas or where pedestrians frequently walk and driving at some of the speeds recorded potentially put lives at risk.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to explore measures that enhance road safety and prevent accidents.”
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Speeds recorded on Bridgwater roads and what the report said:
The Broadway (December 9 – 22, 2024, and January 20 – February 2, 2025):
During the first study, 70,308 vehicles entered and 74,227 exited Broadway. The average speed was 24.22mph (incoming) and 21.51mph (outgoing). However, the highest recorded speeds were 63mph and 62mph.
In the second study, 85% of vehicles were travelling at or below 26mph, with a maximum speed of 43mph recorded.
Bristol Road (December 9 – 22, 2024, and January 6 – 20, 2025):
Bristol Road saw 72,726 incoming vehicles, with peak traffic between 6am and 9am and from 4.30pm to 7pm. The average speed was 24.96mph, but a maximum speed of 87 mph was recorded in the early hours of the morning, raising concerns about late-night speeding.
In the second study, the average outgoing speed was 24.50mph, but dangerously high speeds of 100mph (incoming) and 80mph (outgoing) were recorded late at night and early in the morning.
Parrett Way (December 23, 2024 – January 6, 2025):
Traffic monitoring showed 21,059 incoming vehicles and 30,767 outgoing vehicles, confirming it as a primary route in and out of Bridgwater. The average speeds were 25.55mph (incoming) and 26.91mph (outgoing).
A concerning 95mph outgoing speed was recorded. Most vehicles remained within a reasonable speed range, with 85% of outgoing traffic travelling at or below 30mph.
Durleigh Road (December 23, 2024 – January 6, 2025):
A total of 33,565 incoming vehicles were recorded, with average speeds fluctuating between 25mph and 27mph. However, higher speeds (over 50mph) were frequently recorded late at night and early in the morning, with a maximum speed of 60mph. This suggests a pattern of occasional excessive speeding during quieter traffic periods.
Homberg Way/NDR (January 6 – 20):
The NDR route recorded 74,390 incoming vehicles, with an average speed of 25.20mph. Speed trends were stable during the day, but occasional speeds over 40mph were noted, particularly in early morning and late-night hours. The highest speed recorded was 72mph, with multiple instances exceeding 40mph.
Rhode Lane (January 20 – February 2):
Rhode Lane recorded 1,200 incoming vehicles, with an average speed of 19.76mph. While the majority of vehicles complied with the speed limit, a maximum speed of 51mph was recorded, suggesting occasional violations. Over 90% of vehicles travelled at or below 30mph, reinforcing general compliance, though further monitoring may be necessary.
The data highlights the need for continued speed monitoring and possible enforcement in high-risk areas, particularly where excessive speeding has been recorded.
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Councillor Tim Mander, a member of the Transport Forum at Bridgwater Town Council, said: “These traffic reports help us better understand how roads are being used and where potential risks exist.
“Although I am pleased to see the average speeds fall well within permitted limits some of the top speeds recorded are quite frightening.
“You must remember most of these locations are either in residential areas or where pedestrians frequently walk and driving at some of the speeds recorded potentially put lives at risk.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to explore measures that enhance road safety and prevent accidents.”
This article is missing the main stats of how many of these speeding vehiclas where involved in an iccident? If speed is an issue attache it to stats to prove that all this speeding causes accidents at the same time. It doesn’t. I have seen many slow Jazz drivers vehicles smashed up because they just can’t drive. That has nothing to do with speed. And why do the speed guns go home at 5pm? That’s becuse it’s all about making money and nothing else.