Speeds of up to 81 mph have been recorded on new speed indicator devices installed on roadsides in Bridgwater as part of a Bridgwater Town Council campaign to reduce speeding and enhance safety. Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) were initially installed along Durleigh Road and Taunton Road.
These devices, which display the speed of passing vehicles, are being used to raise awareness about speeding.
Highlighting the key data points and observations, emphasises the need for continued monitoring and the need to work with partners on proactive measures to ensure road safety.
The first set of data was collected between 30 September and 14 October. This shows that the vast majority of drivers are adhering to speed limits. On Durleigh Road, the average speed of 17,996 incoming vehicles was 25.91 mph, while outgoing speeds averaged 27.84 mph. Notably, 85% of traffic travelled at less than 27 mph, although one vehicle was clocked at 65 mph.
On Taunton Road, the average speed of 79,297 incoming vehicles was 24.13 mph, with 85% of traffic traveling at less than 27 mph. However, one vehicle was recorded at a concerning 81 mph.
The devices are moved after two weeks and the new locations were Homberg Way (NDR) and Bath Road. Traffic was monitored here between 14 and 22 October.
44,582 incoming vehicles were captured on Homberg Way (NDR) at an average speed of 23 mph, with 85% of traffic traveling at less than 26 mph. The highest speed recorded was 60 mph.
On Bath Road, the average speed of 41,999 incoming vehicles was 23.66 mph, with 85% of traffic traveling at less than 26 mph. One vehicle was clocked at 60 mph.
Traffic was then monitored on Wills Road between 28 October and 11 November. Here a total of 16,685 incoming vehicles travelled at an average speed of 25.96 mph and 9,102 outgoing vehicles had an average speed of 26.23 mph.
The SIDs show instances of vehicles exceeding 40 mph are frequent during the evening which could pose a potential safety hazard.
Between 25 October and 9 December the devices were moved to Parkway and the High Street.
A total of 41,062 vehicles travelled along Parkway at an average speed of 19.36 mph. Eighty-five percent of vehicles travelled at less than 23 mph which is consistent with typical urban/semi-urban traffic speeds.
Bridgwater High Street monitored 4,657 vehicles traveling at an average speed of 17.97 mph. The highest speed recorded was 26 mph.
To ensure comprehensive monitoring and data collection, the SIDs will continue to be relocated periodically to different areas within Bridgwater, to help identify trends and patterns in vehicle speeds across various locations and times.
By continuously analysing this data, the council aims to work with partners to implement targeted measures to further enhance road safety and address specific areas of concern.
Councillor Tim Mander from Bridgwater Town Council’s Transport Forum commented “The Town Council acquired two speed indicator devices thanks to a grant from Avon and Somerset Police to act both as a reminder to drivers to observe the speed limit and as a way of collating information so as to fully understand the extent of speeding in and around the town. We will continue to monitor speeds and go back to locations to assess the trends.
“These findings highlight the effectiveness of the SIDs in raising awareness and encouraging drivers to adhere to speed limits. However, the instances of excessive speeding, particularly during off-peak hours, underscore the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure road safety.”