LOWER speed limits aimed at improving safety are being brought in on routes in and around Keynsham.
The current 20mph limit that runs along Charlton Road from the High Street to just south of the Charlton Park junction is to be extended west for a further 396 metres.
A new 30mph limit will affect Charlton Road at Queen Charlton, from its junction with Woollard Lane extending east for about 1,500 metres.
A 30mph limit will also be brought in on Redlynch Lane, Chewton Keynsham, from the existing 20mph speed limit extending to its junction with Charlton Road.
Also, a 40mph limit will be imposed on Wollard Lane from its junction with Queen Charlton Lane extending north-east to its junction with Slate Lane.
The changes, approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council, are due to come into effect on March 9.
In response to the proposals, Keynsham town councillor Andy Halliday said he felt there was no need to extend the 20mph limit on Charlton Road in Keynsham from the Charlton Park junction to the Monmouth Road junction because there were already school crossing lights, traffic lights and a mini roundabout close by to slow down traffic.
One person who responded after the proposals were advertised felt the 20mph limit should be extended a further 50 metres to improve safety at the bus stop just south of Lockingwell Road and the busy Lays Drive and Caernarvon Road junctions. Another said it should be extended even further down to Bilbie Green.
Another who supported lowering the limit on Redlynch Lane said the existing 60mph limit was totally inappropriate for such a busy and, in places, very narrow and windy lane. They were concerned at the speeds at which drivers travel along the road to enter the village.
“Many vehicles come down the hill far too fast and don’t start breaking until nearly at the junction with Chewton Road. It is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.”
Another said: “Absolutely support these measures. It is high time all our roads were subjected to proper risk assessment in this manner. 30mph has no place in any urban areas.”
Duncan Hounsell, B&NES councillor for Saltford ward, which includes Queen Charlton, said: “I welcome these speed limit reductions. The Redlynch Lane junction with Charlton Road is a particularly dangerous one with poor sight lines. Reducing speeds should help make the roads in this area safer for everyone.”
Pictured above, the 20mph limit along Charlton Road from High Street ends just south of the junction with Charlton Park – it will now be extended
Speed limits reduced on Keynsham roads
