PROPOSALS to cut the speed limit to 30mph on Wellington Relief Road have been scaled back after opposition from one of the town’s county councillors.

Cllr John Thorne, who is also a town councillor, had objected to a Somerset County Council plan to reduce speeds between Westpark 26 business park and Farthings Pitts.

The scheme was put forward as a condition of planning approval for the 650-home Jurston Farm development, which will shortly start to be built.

Planning consent was given with a proviso that the existing 40mph limit should be reduced to 30mph across a new relief road roundabout outside the estate and through the staggered junction with Pyles Thorne Road and Ford Street.

Cllr Thorne said: “I am pleased the county council has accepted it was going too far with its original plans and has now said it will reduce the proposed length of 30mph road.

“However, the proposed new speed limit area is still excessive, and I will continue to challenge it until we get it right.

“I think we are all aware of the problems at the Pyles Thorne Road-Ford Street junction, where numerous accidents occur because the configuration results in drivers making poor decisions.

“For a long time, I have said we need to sort out this junction, but simply changing the speed limit signs is not going to be the answer.”