A SOMERSET MP has welcomed interim measures to improve safety on a “dangerous” A361 junction following a spate of fatal collisions.
Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, met members of Avon and Somerset Police and Somerset Council to press the urgent need to address safety issues facing A-roads in the area.
Following a tragic fatal collision which occurred on the A361/A362, near Frome, junction in late August marking the latest in a long line of accidents on the road, and the fourth on the junction in 10 months, Ms Sabine said it was “imperative” to bring to urgently address the issue with other local organisations.
The MP said both the police and the council have shared her concerns and have agreed to some immediate measures that can be implemented in lieu of a bigger plan to address the issue.
Among the intentions put forward at the meeting on Friday, September 6, is improved signing and road markings and new warning signs to help draw road users’ attention to the potential dangers, as well as cutting back extensive vegetation which could be hindering sight lines.
“Road safety is one of my key priorities as an MP and I regularly hear tragic stories from constituents about how it has affected their families.” Anna Sabine MP said following the meeting.
“I am so pleased that Somerset Council has agreed to make some short term improvements at this dangerous junction and I’ll continue to press them for a longer term solution here and at other accident black spots”
While bigger changes to road layouts are being looked at to help tackle the number of alarming number of fatalities on the roads, it is hoped the new interim measures can help to reduce the risks to road users and increase visibility around the area while funding for larger plans is pursued.
A motorcyclist died in a collision with a lorry on the A361 at around 2.15pm on Friday, August 23. The road, between the Marston Road and Blatchbridge roundabouts, was closed for several hours.
Two women also tragically lost their lives in a crash involving two cars and a lorry on the same road on May 30.
Witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage, in relation to the August 23 crash are asked to contact police online or call 101 and quote reference log number 595 of August 23.