A LOWER speed limit is being proposed for an accident blackspot near Frome which has claimed the lives of five people in the last five years.

Somerset Council has unveiled plans to lower the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph, alongside engineering works, to improve safety on the A361 Frome bypass.

It comes after AI cameras were installed on the stretch last year to monitor speed, seatbelt wearing and mobile phone use.

A public consultation over the proposals is set to be launched this week over changes to the bypass, which is used by around 15,000 motorists a day.

The council said if approved, the scheme would be implemented at the same time as resurfacing work is carried out at the junction, currently planned from May 7 to 20, with an evening road closure in place.

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Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council lead member for transport and waste, said: “We are developing further plans for making this road safer with an improved road surface, and measures to reduce traffic speeds through the proposed speed limit and introduction of central hatching to reduce the road width, where feasible.

“We are also looking at carrying out a significant vegetation cutback to help further improve the visibility at the junction.

“The road markings will be more visible and make a slight noise warning when driven over.

“We share the concerns of the community about the number of incidents on this stretch of road.

“Driver behaviour contributes to around 90 per cent of serious road collisions we would urge all drivers – if you are getting behind the wheel of a car please act responsibly.”

READ MORE: Frome news from your Somerset Leveller