Roads near Shepton could get new 40mph speed limit

By Laura Linham 3rd Sep 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Drivers approaching Beacon Cross near Shepton Mallet could face a new 40mph speed limit under road safety plans put forward by Somerset Council.

The authority, working in consultation with police, wants to reduce speeds on every approach to the crossroads in the parish of Ashwick. It says the change is intended to lower the risk and severity of collisions and create a safer environment for road users.

The proposed restrictions cover stretches of the A37 Long Hill, Old Frome Road and A367 Bath Road.

On the Shepton Mallet side, the proposed 40mph limit would cover:

A37 Long Hill – from its junction with Old Frome Road southwards for 220 metres
Old Frome Road – from its junction with the A37 Long Hill eastwards for 346 metres
A367 Bath Road – from its junction with the A37 Long Hill eastwards and then northwards for 910 metres

Further stretches approaching Beacon Cross from the Wells direction would also be reduced to 40mph, creating the same lower limit on all approaches to the crossroads.

Somerset Council said: "By reducing vehicle speeds, the aim is to lower the risk and severity of collisions, creating a safer environment."

The changes have not yet been approved. The council is proposing a Traffic Regulation Order and is giving residents and road users the opportunity to make representations or object before a final decision is taken.

Anyone wishing to comment can write to Somerset Council, Traffic Management, B2 West, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY, or email [email protected], quoting reference KT19082026.

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Representations and objections must be received within 21 days of the formal notice being published.

If the order goes ahead, any existing restrictions would be revoked only where they conflict with the proposed new 40mph sections.

For regular users of Beacon Cross, the end result would be a consistent 40mph limit whichever direction they approach from — although, for now, the plan remains firmly at the consultation stage.