ILMINSTER NEWS: New safety measures for Ilminster Bypass on the cards

NEW safety measures could be installed sooner than expected to try and cut down on the number of accidents on the dangerous Ilminster Bypass.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has led a series of meetings with Government Ministers and Highways England to co-ordinate local road issues involving the A303.

Highways England has confirmed to Mr Fysh that police investigations into accidents on the Ilminster Bypass had produced some positive possibilities for interim safety measures.

Mr Fysh has been pushing for such measures and urged them to be implemented as soon as possible.

“There have been some terrible accidents on this stretch of road in recent times and it sounds like we could be nearing agreement on some measures which will improve safety whilst the plans for the main works are being drawn up,” he said.

“Of course, it is frustrating that it takes so long to schedule the road works, although following this meeting with Highways England I do have a better understanding of why certain stages take the time they do.

“However, I have kept stressing that something must be done now about the Ilminster Bypass and it’s encouraging to hear the investigations have produced some tangible results.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling reaffirmed his commitment to the South West road upgrades programme including the A303 dualling as well as discussing increasing rail capacity between Yeovil and Salisbury.

Highways England are at the options analysis stage of planning the roads, which they hope to put to initial consultation early next year.

This options stage must be full and thorough to lessen the chance of costly judicial review appeals at a later date.

Mr Fysh also met with Roads Minister John Hayes to talk in detail about the best route choices for Yeovil and surrounding villages.

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