Campaign to stop drivers 'racing' through chicanes
BBCA petition to reduce the speed limit on road with chicanes which runs through a residential area has been signed by more than 5,000 people.
Derek Moore and his son, Ray, are campaigning to bring down the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph on Eastwick Road in Taunton.
Mr Moore says although the chicanes have been in place since the 1990s, he thinks some drivers see the road as more of a "racing challenge" with the current 30mph limit "regularly exceeded".
Somerset Council's Executive Committee is set to review the petition in the coming weeks.
He describes the traffic as being "bumper-to-bumper" on some days, stating that it is "especially busy" during commuting hours.
Mr Moore says while the speed limit is the most pressing issue, there are also other problems with the way road is being used.
"Some lorries have to mount the grass verge in order to get around the chicanes while some drivers travel in the middle of the road just to avoid the turns which obviously causes problems for oncoming traffic," he added.
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said the petition "clearly shows the strength of feeling in the community on this issue" and that the chicane location has already been discussed by local councillors.
It added: "Our team will work alongside the town council if they wish to fund investigations and provision of crossings, traffic calming measures and 20mph speed limits, as we have done in many communities across Somerset."
'Accident waiting to happen'
Mr Moore says there have been multiple accidents near his home, with four cars having previously been written off.
He says he worries for the pedestrians and young children using the footpath and describes the road as a "race track".
His own car had been hit three times, Mr Moore added, losing his wing mirrors on one occasion.
"I dread to think what could happen to the kids walking to school. It really is an accident waiting to happen," he said.
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