Temporary ban to prevent drivers crossing junction on busy Dorset road
It follows the death of four people back in December 2022 - including 30-year-old mum of three, Charlotte Avis
A temporary ban is coming in - preventing drivers from driving across a junction on a busy Dorset road.
It follows the death of four people back in December 2022 - including 30-year-old mum of three, Charlotte Avis.
The woman from Milborne Port in Somerset passed away in December 2022 on the dual carriageway of the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne.
Earlier this year, Dorset's coroner wrote to the Transport Secretary and the Council, calling for safety improvements.
Read more: Dorset coroner calls for A30 safety measures following fatal crashes
In a letter, published by Dorset Council at the end of last month, the authority's interim Chief Executive outlined concerns over the road - and what they're going to do to improve road safety at the junction.
It addressed evidence of eight road traffic collisions at the site of Charlotte's death - referred to as Loscombe Crossroads - which resulted in slight, serious and fatal injuries being sustained by those involved.
From three of those collisions, there have been four fatalities over the space of a four year period.
It also spoke about the speed limit on the road - and although it was reduced to 60mph in 2024, concerns were still raised about its layout and the risk of future deaths there.
Response to Concerns
The letter added: "A wide variety of factors influence the occurrence of road traffic collisions, many of which are beyond the direct control of Dorset Council, such as human error and behaviour.
"Road safety is one of the Council's highest priorities, and we follow the Safe System model considered to be international best practice in road safety by the World Health Organisation, which aims to implement mitigations that address common human errors or consider significant highway improvements when necessary.
"Following the collision, we have investigated whether there are opportunities to improve road safety at this junction.
"We have carefully considered your report and can outline our proposed response:
"We plan to implement a temporary traffic regulation order under Section 14(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This order will prohibit all right-turn, U-turn, and straight-over movements for vehicular traffic entering and exiting Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane at the Over Compton junction. These measures are scheduled to come into effect this summer.
"As with all temporary orders, we will closely monitor the situation to ensure that we do not inadvertently disperse risk. This measure will be regularly reviewed for a maximum of 18 months, during which time we will consult on the possibility of making these measures permanent.
"Records show a high number of collisions along the entire length of the A30 dual carriageway between Yeovil and Sherborne, with many vehicles significantly exceeding the speed limit. Therefore, we are conducting a feasibility study to introduce Average Speed Cameras to ensure compliance with the recent change in speed limit to 60mph.
"This work will involve close collaboration with stakeholders, including Dorset Police.
"A key element of the Safe System model is the recognition of the need for safe speeds. If we do not see the required reduction in the number of excessively speeding vehicles and a decrease in overall collisions and their severity, further calming measures will be considered.
"These options require a significant capital outlay, underscoring Dorset Council's commitment to improving road safety on the A30 and particularly at the Loscombe Crossroads. "